- A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association documents a lack of physical activity opportunities for many people.
- Many people facing barriers to exercising are also in groups that are at especially high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- The statement says that simple 20-minute walks may be one way to begin addressing CVD risk disparities.
- Experts and the American Heart Association (AHA) support greater involvement by healthcare providers in patients’ exercise habits, along with more equitable infrastructure support from local and national government entities.
It is common knowledge at this point that exercise — including brisk walking — is important for one’s health, especially cardiovascular health. Some people, however, face significant barriers to getting sufficient exercise. There is a disproportionate incidence of cardiovascular disease among such people.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recently released a scientific statement intended to help address disparities in opportunities to exercise to improve cardiovascular health for all Americans.
The AHA suggests that even a short, 20-minute brisk walk each day can help people maintain cardiovascular health.
People at higher cardiovascular risk include older people, people with disabilities, Black people, people with lower socioeconomic status living in both urban and rural areas, and people with mental health challenges such as depression.
Calling on physicians and other healthcare providers, legislators, and governmental agencies, the AHA envisions a broad coalition working together to provide more equitable investments in health. This includes prioritizing individuals’ activity levels and allocating more resources to help those in high risk groups make physical activity a part of their everyday lives.
The AHA’s scientific statement is published in the journal
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