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Denser Urban Neighborhoods Get People Walking

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Denser Urban Neighborhoods Get People Walking

TUESDAY, Dec. 17, 2024 (HealthDay News) — Does a crowded neighborhood make you move more?

Yes, says new research that found people who live in highly populated areas walk more than people who live in less densely populated areas.  

Since more walking is connected to better health, generally speaking, the extra steps can make a big difference in terms of promoting an active lifestyle and public health, said lead study author Glen Duncan, a Washington State University nutrition and exercise physiology professor.

“We have so many people in the U.S. population who don’t get sufficient activity. If we could shift the percentage of the population that just took on more plain old walking, we would see real health benefits,” Duncan said in a university news release.

In other words, improving local walkability, and getting more Americans to walk, can potentially boost the health of the entire population.

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For this study, researchers examined twins’ activity levels by location. Neighborhoods were deemed walkable based on an index that measures the density of people, roads and desirable places to walk to — destinations such as stores, parks, restaurants and coffee shops. 

The study analyzed data from surveys of 5,477 pairs of twins who lived in various parts of the United States.

Data from 2009 to 2020 — which included information about where people lived, the number of minutes they walked in a typical week and their reasons for walking — were considered.

The results revealed that those who lived in areas considered more walkable did, in fact, walk more.

The researchers found that every 1% bump in “walkability” resulted in 0.42% increase in neighborhood walking. That meant that a 55% increase in the walkability of a neighborhood prompted about 23% more walking — or about 19 minutes a week for every resident living in that area.

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Making neighborhoods more walkable may also help Americans get more exercise indirectly. 

What’s more, improving public transportation in suburban or rural areas that require driving to places like grocery stores or community centers would get more folks walking

Published Dec. 12 in the American Journal of Epidemiology, the new report showed a strong connection between place and activity. The more walkable neighborhoods were typically found in urban areas.

Earlier research has shown that the safety, or perceived safety, of a neighborhood influences walkability, too. Because many find safety in numbers, walking groups may help bridge the gap for would-be walkers who live in less walkable areas. 

Duncan emphasized that walking is a great and easy way to improve health. It also counts toward the widely recommended 150 minutes a week of physical activity.     

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“You don’t have to spend loads of money on fitness clothing and the best gear. Walking is a very natural thing. You lace on some shoes and head out the door,” he noted.

More information

Find walking groups near you through the American Volkssport Association (AVA).

SOURCE: Washington State University, news release, Dec. 12, 20224

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Exercise may lower risk of premature death among people with diabetes – Harvard Health

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Exercise may lower risk of premature death among people with diabetes – Harvard Health

Researchers assessed data from nearly 52,000 adults with diabetes (average age 60, 50% women) for a 21-year period that began in 1997, tracking deaths through the end of 2019. Participants were divided into four activity groups, including inactive (no moderate-to-vigorous physical activity); insufficiently active (less than 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous exercise); weekend warrior (at least 150 minutes weekly of such exercise over one or two sessions); and regularly active (at least 150 minutes weekly over three or more sessions).

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Susquehanna launches exercise science degree program – Susquehanna University

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Susquehanna launches exercise science degree program – Susquehanna University

Susquehanna University will offer an exercise science degree program beginning in fall 2026. Students majoring in exercise science will be prepared to pursue in-demand careers in health, fitness and wellness.

“Exercise science is, at its core, a discipline driven by data, inquiry and a deep understanding of human physiology,” said Alissa Packer, department head and associate professor of biology at Susquehanna University. “By positioning this major within a liberal arts environment, we’re giving students the scientific foundation they need while also teaching them to think critically, communicate clearly and approach health from multiple perspectives.”

Offered by Susquehanna’s School of Natural & Social Sciences, the program will integrate coursework from the biological, physical and social sciences to prepare students for diverse careers and advanced study in fields such as health and wellness, physical therapy, rehabilitation, athletic training, strength and conditioning and exercise physiology, as well as for an advanced degree in physical therapy. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in strength and conditioning is projected to grow by at least 12% over the next decade, while jobs in exercise physiology are expected to increase by 9%. 

Students graduating from Susquehanna with a Bachelor of Science in exercise science will possess a comprehensive understanding of the anatomical, physiological, biomechanical and neurological principles underlying human movement, exercise and performance, and master the skills necessary to design, implement and assess exercise programs and interventions that promote health, fitness and performance across diverse populations. The university also plans to collaborate with local partners to give students hands-on learning experiences and career pathways in the health and fitness industry.

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“This major opens the door for students who want to translate science into meaningful impact,” Packer said. “Whether they pursue clinical fields, strength and conditioning or community wellness, our graduates will leave Susquehanna ready to improve lives through evidence-based practice and a deep understanding of the human body.”

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Blood test results on Whoop? Welcome to the future of wearables

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Blood test results on Whoop? Welcome to the future of wearables

Health and fitness tracking company Whoop has edged closer towards the future of personalised medicine by rolling out a new feature allowing customers to upload and ask questions of their past blood test results.

It means users of the screenless trackers can upload biomarker information such as cholesterol and average blood glucose readings and view these alongside their step counts, exercise data, stress and sleep scores.

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