Photo: ReutersPeople who cycle to work have a substantially lower risk of developing cancer or heart disease or dying prematurely, and governments should do all they can to encourage more active commuting, scientists say. In a study published in the British Medical Journal on Thursday, the researchers found that cycling to work was linked to the most significant health benefits - including a 45% lower risk of developing cancer and a 46% lower risk of heart disease compared to non-active commuters. Walking to work was linked to a 27% lower risk of developing heart disease and a 36% lower risk of dying from it, though it also appeared to have no effect on cancer risk or overall premature death risk, the study showed. Since the study was observational, no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect, the researchers said. However, "the findings, if causal, suggest population health may be improved by policies that increase active commuting, particularly cycling", they said.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 20, 2017 08:26 UTC