Physical activity offers many benefits to health, whether it be preventing disease, contributing to emotional and cognitive health, or helping to maintain independence later in life. Many consider it the “wonder drug” of health promotion. And while the benefits are multiple, the behavior is simple.

People only need to be active for at least 150 minutes a week for adults and 60 minutes a day for school-age youth. It can even occur in short bouts, lasting at least 10 minutes.

Unfortunately, only one-half of adults and about one quarter of high school students [USA statistics] are sufficiently active to realize the health benefits of physical activity. To improve population levels of physical activity, an increase in walking may be an important place to start.

Report published June 2015.

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