Are you always encouraging your family to spend more time outdoors?
According to scientists at the University of Cambridge, a brisk 20-minute walk is all it takes to avoid an early death.
Researchers have spent the last 12 years following the progress of more than 300,000 European men and women, looking into the effects of obesity and exercise on them.
They found that those who engaged in moderate levels of daily exercise were up to 30 per cent less likely to die, than those classified as inactive.
Study leader Professor Ulf Ekelund said: “Although we found that just 20 minutes would make a difference, we should really be looking to do more than this.
“Physical activity has many proven health benefits and should be an important part of our daily life.”
The latest study follows on from the State of the Nation’s Waistline report which was also published this month, in which the National Obesity Forum says more than half the population could be obese by 2050.
June Davison from the British Heart Foundation said: “The results are a clear reminder that being regularly physically active can reduce the risk of dying from coronary heart disease.
“Whether it’s going for a walk, taking a bike ride or using the stairs instead of the lift, keeping active every day will help reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease.”
Obesity and lack of exercise or inactivity often go hand in hand.
Being overweight can compromise your health and increase the chances of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Encouraging your family to walk or cycle to school would help to raise their levels of physical activity and encourage them to be more forward thinking when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle.
Just a 20-minute brisk walk or comparable exercise, can help to burn around 90 to 110 calories.
There are other benefits of incorporating a short exercise into your daily routine such as walking, they include boosting your vitamin D levels and giving you energy.
