Women hear all the time that they need to eat healthy and stay active in order to live longer, healthier lives. But how true is that? Well, in fact it is very true. In fact, recent research has shown that women who are active enough to take about 6,000 steps a day will protect themselves during the mid-years of their lives. This amount of activity, however it is done, was correlated to lower diabetes rates and metabolic syndromes in women during these middle years. Metabolic syndrome includes a variety of cardiovascular diseaserisks, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and weight gain. Some of these can also be precursors of Type 2 diabetes. The study showed that those who were less active, achieving less than 6,000 or more steps a day, tended to have higher weight, more often were smokers, and more often had diabetes and metabolic syndrome. So how does one achieve 6,000 steps a day? Well, to put it in perspective, 6,000 steps equals about an hour of walking. One of the best ways to reach this is to set goals. In the beginning, one should not set a goal of 6,000 steps; instead look where you can add walking to your daily life. Park a little farther from the store, use the stairs, or simply take a 10 minute walk in the evening. One correlation that was found during the study is those women who use a pedometer find it easier, and are more likely, to reach their goal of 6,000 steps, and are also more likely to lower blood pressure and weight. So take some extra time each day to simply walk, and you will lower your risk for midlife issues and health problems. Plus, walking can sometimes be very relaxing and peaceful. So go enjoy!