Walking 7,000 steps a day a huge boost to health: research
To find a more scientific target, an international team of researchers sifted through 57 previous studies that covered 160,000 people.
The results published in the Lancet Public Health journal found that walking 7,000 steps a day nearly halved people's risk of early death from all causes, compared to 2,000 steps.
The study also looked into health problems not previously covered by research into step counts.
Walking 7,000 steps a day was linked to people's risk of dementia falling by 38 percent, depression dropping 22 percent and diabetes decreasing 14 percent.
It was also associated with lower rates of cancer and falls, though the researchers warned this was based on less evidence.
"You don't need to hit 10,000 steps a day to get major health benefits," Paddy Dempsey, a study co-author and medical researcher at Cambridge University, told AFP.
"The biggest gains happen before 7,000 steps, and then benefits tend to level off," he said.
While people's speeds vary widely, 7,000 steps adds up to roughly an hour of walking throughout the day.
Dempsey emphasised that people already managing 10,000 or more steps should keep it up.
But he had a message for people who might find 7,000 steps daunting: "don't be discouraged".
"If you're only getting 2,000–3,000 steps a day, aim to add an extra 1,000 steps. That's just 10–15 minutes of light walking spread across the day," he said.
Andrew Scott, a researcher at the University of Portsmouth not involved in the study, said that "it demonstrates that overall more is always better".
"People should not focus too much on the numbers, particularly on days where activity is limited," he added.
The World Health Organization recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity a week. Nearly a third of people worldwide do not reach this target, according to the WHO.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
France 24
8 hours ago
- France 24
WHO says malnutrition reaching 'alarming levels' in Gaza
"Malnutrition is on a dangerous trajectory in the Gaza Strip, marked by a spike in deaths in July," the WHO said in a statement. Of the 74 recorded malnutrition-related deaths in 2025, 63 had occurred in July -- including 24 children under five, one child aged over five, and 38 adults, it added. "Most of these people were declared dead on arrival at health facilities or died shortly after, their bodies showing clear signs of severe wasting," the UN health agency said. "The crisis remains entirely preventable. Deliberate blocking and delay of large-scale food, health, and humanitarian aid has cost many lives." Nearly one in five children under five in Gaza City is now acutely malnourished, the WHO said, citing its Nutrition Cluster partners. It said the percentage of children aged six to 59 months suffering from acute malnutrition had tripled in the city since June, making it the worst-hit area in the Palestinian territory. In Khan Yunis and middle Gaza, those rates have doubled in less than a month, it added. "These figures are likely an underestimation due to the severe access and security constraints preventing many families from reaching health facilities," the WHO said. Israel on Sunday began a limited "tactical pause" in military operations to allow the UN and aid agencies to tackle a deepening hunger crisis. But the WHO called for sustained efforts to "flood" the Gaza Strip with diverse, nutritious food, and for the expedited delivery of therapeutic supplies for children and vulnerable groups, plus essential medicines and supplies. "This flow must remain consistent and unhindered to support recovery and prevent further deterioration", the Geneva-based agency said.
Sustainability Times
20 hours ago
- Sustainability Times
'This Is Deliberate Destruction': Hawai'i's Reefs Hit by Record Acid Surge as Locals Accuse Authorities of Sacrificing Ocean Life
IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 Ocean acidification near Hawai'i could reach levels not seen in thousands of years, threatening marine life. near Hawai'i could reach levels not seen in thousands of years, threatening marine life. 🔬 Researchers use high-resolution models to predict significant changes in ocean chemistry through the 21st century. through the 21st century. 🐠 The study highlights the potential for coral adaptation , but warns of unprecedented challenges to reef ecosystems. , but warns of unprecedented challenges to reef ecosystems. 🧪 Ongoing research aims to explore impacts on Hawai'i's fisheries and identify strategies for sustaining coral reefs. The oceans surrounding Hawai'i, known for their vibrant coral reefs, are facing an alarming threat from ocean acidification, a phenomenon exacerbated by increasing carbon dioxide levels. Recent studies reveal that these waters could soon reach acidity levels not seen in thousands of years, posing a severe risk to marine ecosystems. This development is particularly concerning for the Hawaiian Islands, where coral reefs play a crucial role in biodiversity and the local economy. As researchers continue to study these changes, there is an urgent need for action to protect these precious marine environments. Ocean Acidification: A Growing Threat to Hawaiian Waters The increasing acidity of the world's oceans presents a significant risk to marine life, particularly coral reefs. As oceans absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, their pH levels decrease, leading to a more acidic environment. A recent study conducted by oceanographers from the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa indicates that acidification levels near the main Hawaiian Islands could reach unprecedented levels within the next three decades. This rise in acidity is particularly detrimental to marine ecosystems, as it weakens the shells and skeletons of sea creatures like corals and clams, making them more susceptible to other environmental stressors. Despite these challenges, there is hope. Some marine species have shown signs of adaptation to the changing conditions, offering a glimmer of optimism for the future. The research highlights the importance of understanding these changes and developing strategies to protect Hawaiian coral reefs and sustain marine ecosystems. By providing critical insights, the study aids scientists, conservationists, and policymakers in their efforts to safeguard these vital habitats for future generations. 'They Stole Our UFO and Made It Scarier': Pentagon Officials Furious as China Unveils Alien-Looking Surveillance Drone Copy Modeling the Future: Predicting Acidification Around Hawai'i Advanced modeling techniques have been employed by researchers to predict future ocean acidification near the Hawaiian Islands. Led by Brian Powell from the University of Hawai'i, the research team utilized high-resolution computer models to project changes in ocean chemistry through the 21st century. Their projections are based on various climate scenarios that reflect different levels of carbon dioxide emissions, offering a comprehensive view of potential outcomes. According to Lucia Hošeková, the lead author of the study, significant increases in ocean acidification are expected in the surface waters around the main Hawaiian Islands, even if carbon emissions stabilize by mid-century. The extent of these changes varies depending on the emission scenario, with high-emission scenarios posing the greatest threat to coral adaptation. The concept of 'novelty' was introduced to describe the difference between projected acidification and historical conditions, revealing that windward coastlines are likely to experience the most dramatic changes. 'They're Hiding Something Under the Ice': Scientists Clash After Bizarre Radio Signals Emerge from Deep Beneath Antarctica Unexpected Changes: Shifts in Coral Environments The study's findings regarding future levels of ocean acidification were unexpected, as they highlight conditions far beyond the natural variations that coral ecosystems are accustomed to. Tobias Friedrich, a co-author of the study, emphasized the unprecedented nature of these projections for Hawaiian waters. While corals have shown some ability to acclimatize to slightly elevated acidity, the magnitude of projected changes poses significant challenges to their adaptability. Researchers acknowledge that the impact on corals will depend on the global climate scenario that unfolds. In the best-case scenario, corals may still be affected, but the situation could be manageable. This underscores the need for ongoing research to examine the combined effects of various stressors on corals. The study serves as an initial step in understanding the complex changes affecting corals and other marine organisms, with a focus on how these changes vary across the Hawaiian Islands. 'This Jet Will Shatter Laws of Physics and Privacy': X-59 Sparks Outrage as NASA Pushes Supersonic Silence into Civilian Skies Looking Ahead: Future Research and Resilience The research team is committed to further investigating the future changes in Hawaiian waters, specifically focusing on heat stress, potential refugia for coral reefs, and the impacts on Hawai'i's fisheries. By continuing to explore these areas, scientists aim to develop strategies that promote resilience and long-term sustainability for coral ecosystems. Reference: 'Patterns of Ocean Acidification Emergence in the Hawaiian Islands Using Dynamically Downscaled Projections' by L. Hošeková, T. Friedrich, B. S. Powell, and C. Sabine, published in the Journal of Geophysical Research: Oceans. DOI: 10.1029/2024JC021903. The future of Hawai'i's coral reefs hinges on our ability to mitigate the impacts of ocean acidification and climate change. As researchers delve deeper into understanding these environmental challenges, the question remains: what innovative solutions will emerge to protect these invaluable ecosystems for generations to come? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (21)
Sustainability Times
20 hours ago
- Sustainability Times
'They've Been Hiding the Real Threat': Massive Blobs Beneath Earth Revealed as the True Force Behind History's Deadliest Eruptions
IN A NUTSHELL 🌋 BLOBS are vast structures deep within the Earth's mantle that drive giant volcanic eruptions. are vast structures deep within the Earth's mantle that drive giant volcanic eruptions. 🔍 These structures interact with mantle plumes, which transport hot solid rock and trigger surface volcanic activity. 🌐 Seismic tomography has been used to illustrate the potential movement and fixed nature of BLOBS over millions of years. has been used to illustrate the potential movement and fixed nature of BLOBS over millions of years. 📊 Understanding BLOBS provides critical insights into Earth's geological history and the forces shaping its surface. The mysterious forces driving volcanic eruptions beneath the Earth's surface have long intrigued scientists and researchers. Recent studies have revealed that these eruptions are fueled by vast, complex structures located deep within the Earth's mantle. Understanding these structures, known as BLOBS, provides crucial insights into the dynamic processes that shape our planet. BLOBS, or Big LOwer-mantle Basal Structures, are continent-sized regions that play a pivotal role in driving giant volcanic eruptions. As we delve deeper into this fascinating subject, we explore the origins, behavior, and implications of these enigmatic structures. Understanding BLOBS: The Hidden Giants Beneath the Earth's surface, at depths ranging from about 1,200 to 1,900 miles, lie the colossal formations known as BLOBS. These are not just random hot spots but rather extensive regions within the mantle that may differ in composition from the surrounding mantle rock. The acronym BLOBS, coined by geologist David Evans from Yale University, highlights their significance in Earth's geological processes. For centuries, scientists were aware of two major hot regions beneath the Pacific Ocean and Africa. These BLOBS have potentially existed for hundreds of millions of years, although their exact nature remains somewhat elusive. Some theories suggest that they might be stationary, while others propose that they move as part of the mantle's convective processes. Understanding whether these BLOBS are fixed or mobile could revolutionize our knowledge of Earth's internal dynamics. 'This Sensor Sees the Unseeable': NASA's Quantum Gravity Tech Set to Revolutionize Earth Monitoring With Unmatched Precision The role of these structures becomes even more critical when linked to mantle plumes. These plumes, which can be visualized as giant lollipops with a long tail and a bulbous head, transport hot solid rock upwards through the mantle. As they ascend, they ultimately lead to volcanic activity when the rock melts at lower pressures. The Connection Between BLOBS and Volcanic Eruptions Recent studies have simulated mantle convection over the past billion years to understand the relationship between BLOBS and volcanic eruptions. These simulations shed light on how mantle plumes rise from moving BLOBS, occasionally tilting in the process. The volume of volcanic rocks preserved on Earth's surface serves as a testament to the magnitude of these eruptions. 'We Thought It Was Just Pee—It Wasn't': Whale Urine Study Uncovers Stunning Biological Secrets Hidden in Ocean Giants Oceanic plateaus like the Ontong Java-Manihiki-Hikurangi plateau are directly linked to plume heads, while chains of volcanoes such as the Hawaii-Emperor seamount chain correspond to plume tails. Statistical analyses reveal that the locations of past giant volcanic eruptions align with the mantle plumes predicted by these models, suggesting a strong connection between BLOBS, mantle plumes, and volcanic activity. This connection is vital for understanding Earth's geological history. The ability to predict the locations and timings of giant volcanic eruptions based on mantle dynamics could provide valuable insights into the planet's past and future geological events. 'Humanity's Red Dawn Is Here': Scientists Claim Terraforming Mars Is Now Possible, Unveiling Astonishing Plans for This Bold New Frontier Are BLOBS Fixed or Mobile? The question of whether BLOBS are fixed or mobile has significant implications for our understanding of Earth's internal dynamics. Research has shown that eruption locations often align with moving BLOBS, suggesting that these structures are indeed dynamic. However, some eruptions occur slightly outside these moving regions, possibly due to plume tilting. By employing seismic tomography—a technique that uses seismic waves from distant earthquakes to create 3D images of Earth's interior—scientists have represented fixed BLOBS. One seismic model matched the locations of past giant eruptions, indicating that the fixed BLOBS scenario cannot be entirely dismissed for the past 300 million years. Exploring the chemical nature of BLOBS and plume conduits is the next frontier in this research. By tracking their composition over time, scientists hope to gain deeper insights into the dynamic nature of the deep Earth. The findings suggest that BLOBS, located some 1,200 miles below the surface, move hundreds of miles over time, driven by mantle plumes that give rise to volcanic eruptions. The Broader Implications of BLOBS The study of BLOBS offers a window into the dynamic processes occurring within our planet. While deep Earth motions occur over tens of millions of years, they generally progress at a mere 0.4 inches per year. This gradual movement, akin to the growth rate of human hair each month, underscores the slow yet significant impact of these structures. The insights gained from studying BLOBS contribute to our broader understanding of Earth's geological history and the forces shaping its surface. As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of these hidden giants, we are left to ponder the complex interplay of forces beneath our feet. How will our evolving understanding of BLOBS influence future geological discoveries and our comprehension of Earth's dynamic processes? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (24)
