According to a study published last week in the Journal of the American Heart Association, increased exercise capacity reduces the risk of death in African American men.
Indeed, the study financed by the Department of Veterans Affairs concludes "highly fit men had half the risk of death compared to low fit men." The results also applied to white males and involved nearly 16,000 participants.
It was the largest study of its type and it basically refutes suggestions from several earlier studies that there was no clear link between regular exercise and a longer life.
In addition, it was the first study to provide information on physical activity and mortality in African Americans. According to one of the co-authors of the study, Dr. John Peter Kokkinos, "most middle-aged and older individuals can attain fitness levels with a brisk walk, 30 minutes per day, five or six days a week."
Currently, among Black and whites, Black males have the shortest life expectancies. As of 2004, white females had an average life expectancy of 80.8 years followed by Black females at 76.3. White males can in third with an average longevity of 75.7 years and Black males placed last with life expectation of 69.5 years.
No comments:
Post a Comment