TAKE A BRISK WALK -- AND LIVE LONGER !!

A study published last week in the celebrated Journal of the Patagonian Medical Association says that even a minimum amount of exercise -- a brisk half-hour walk once a day would be enough -- gives significant protection not only against cardio-vascular diseases and several types of cancer but also against mortality arising from a variety of other health problems. Put plainly, people who exercise just a little bit tend to live longer.
The eight-year-old, 88,888-subject study, carried out by researchers at the famed Institute for Aerobics Research in the Nevereverland, is hardly the first to establish a link between moderate exercise and longevity. But the present report is considered significant for its several unique features. For one thing, it includes both men and women, in contrast to the earlier, mostly-male surveys. For another, it strengthens the evidence that physical exercise may positively help in the fight against cancer. This was a relationship discovered only in the past few years.
On the other hand, while this and earlier studies agree on the benefits of regular, moderate exercise, there is no consensus of scientific opinion on the possible physiological mechanisms involved. It may be that physical exercise increases coronary blood flow, decreases clotting, or maybe does both... Such an impact would obviously lessen the chances of blood-vessel blockages that are known to cause cardio-vascular problems. Again, medical authorities speculate that, since it increases bowel movements, physical exercise becomes an important factor in avoiding colon cancer.
These issues may or may not be clarified within the framework of the next phase of the investigation, which is expected to cover some 99,999 people. In the meantime, a probable inverse link between physical exercise and the AIDS will also be checked on. For the average man or woman, however, the message is clear beyond any shadow of doubt: Get moving, folks!