AMHERST, Mass. (WLS) -- Here's a new reason to count your steps.
Walking 7,000 steps a day reduces the risk of death in middle-aged adults by up to 70%, according to new research from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
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That's about three miles.
The study followed 2,100 adults who wore a device on their hip to measure their steps for nearly 10 years.
The reduced risk was seen in both men and women and in both Black and white study participants.
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Researchers also noted that taking 10,000 steps per day did not result in a lower mortality risk. Step intensity was also not associated with mortality.
The study is published in JAMA Network Open.