GENE RANDALL, CNN ANCHOR: A new study shows that a simple form of exercise can go a long way in reducing the risk of a disabling stroke. Rhonda Rowland has our report.</s>RHONDA ROWLAND, CNN MEDICAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Regular brisk walking: Studies show it can reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and several forms of cancer. Now stroke can be added to the list.</s>DR. JOANN MANSON, BRIGHAM & WOMEN'S HOSPITAL: We found that by adding 30 minutes of brisk walking each day, a woman could reduce her risk of stroke by 20 to 30 percent. And by adding 45 to 60 minutes per day, she could reduce her risk of stroke by more than 40 percent.</s>ROWLAND: Window shopping in the mall doesn't count. A brisk walk is doing a mile in 20 minutes or less. If you prefer more vigorous exercise like jogging, bicycling, or racket sports, you reduce your risk of stroke by about the same amount. This study, published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" followed more than 70,000 female nurses between the ages of 40 and 65. (on camera): If you're a middle-aged or older woman and don't get exercise, is it too late to start? Absolutely not. The study found sedentary women who became active had a lower risk of stroke than women who did not take up exercise. (voice-over): Less than one fourth of Americans get the recommended amount of exercise: a half hour of moderate activity most days of the week. Lowering your risk of a disabling stroke may be the motivation you need. Rhonda Rowland, CNN, Atlanta.
New Study Shows Brisk Walking Reduces Risk of Stroke