Walking Exercise Makes People Live Longer

January 24, 2014

Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. conduct /kənˈdʌkt/ (v.) – to organize and do something
Example: The researchers conducted an experiment to find an effective treatment for cancer.

2. workout /ˈwɜrkˌaʊt/ (n.) – physical exercise or training
Example: Joe lost a lot of weight after doing daily workouts in the gym.

3. moderate /ˈmɒdərɪt, ˈmɒdrɪt/ (adj.) – average in amount or duration
Example: Walking gives a person moderate sweat, unlike in running.

4. brisk /brɪsk/ (adj.) – done quickly
Example: She was in a hurry so she spoke in a brisk manner.

5. clarify /ˈklærəˌfaɪ/ (v.) – to make something clear
Example: She clarified the details of membership benefits to the gym owner.


Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.
Recent study shows that walking exercises do not only make one healthier but can also make his or her life longer.

Paul Williams, the researcher, analyzed data from the National Walkers’ Health Study conducted by the American Heart Association (AHA). Williams analyzed the records of 42,022 participants who answered a questionnaire about their walking habits and health status. Six percent or 2,448 of the participants had died by the end of the study.

Exercise has long been known to make people healthier. But with a busy lifestyle, some people cannot spend time on the gym or participate in health activities. Thus, the AHA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest people to spend time on walking. While it is easier than other workouts, walking can still benefit one’s heart and lungs.

AHA recommends people to do at least two hours and 30 minutes of moderate exercise like brisk walking per week. Doing muscle-strengthening activities twice a week is also recommended.

After the analysis, Williams found that those who walked more had healthier and longer lives than those who did not follow the recommended walking guidelines set by the AHA.

Williams believes that following the guideline is good but exceeding the recommended number of hours would be better. He suggested that AHA change the recommended number of hours to five hours or more weekly.

Maria Simon, AHA’s spokesperson, clarified that the recommendation is just the minimum requirement. Everyone is encouraged to increase their activities to avoid heart-related diseases and other illnesses, Simon added.

Viewpoint Discussion
 ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         After reading the article, would you now do more walking exercises? Why or why not?
·         Do you agree that doing exercises for more than the recommended time is always good for one’s health? Why is that so?

Discussion B

·         Aside from exercising, what are the other ways to prolong one's life? Kindly explain.
·         In your opinion, why do some people find difficulties in having a healthy lifestyle?


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January 24, 2014