Have you taken a walk today?

If not, you should think about getting up and doing so. I came across this blog post from the LA Times today reporting on a study published yesterday by the Journal of Neurology. The study showed that not only does walking improve physical health (we all knew that part, right?), but it may also help to maintain cognitive function and memory for years!
The study followed 299 men and women with an average age of 78 over a period of nine years. Even after controlling for factors like gender, age, race and BMI, the study found that the more participants walked at the beginning of a study, the greater their brain function was nine years later.
This study just shows another reason exercise - particularly walking in midlife - is a smart addition to your daily routine. The study showed that about 6-9 miles of walking per week seemed to provide the most benefits. And the lead researcher, Kirk Erickson of the University of Pittsburgh said it best: "If regular exercise in midlife could improve brain health and improve thinking and memory in later life, it would be one more reason to make regular exercise in people of all ages a public health imperative."
So, have you taken a walk today?