A Little Running Can Make A Big Difference

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Running can be great for you but one of the problems is that most of us were told that you had to run long distances to get that health edge. Not true.

When it comes to running, you may not have to last for miles in order to reap the benefits.

A team of researchers studying more than 55,000 adults has found that as little as 5 to 10 minutes a day of running – even at slow speeds – may be enough to cut the risk of heart-related death. Compared with those who did not run, those who ran even small distances cut their risk of heart-related death by 45% on average.

Believe me. Don't be a hero. Just try a little bit. It can make a big difference.