Young men and women who are fit (guys who are able to complete 10-12 minutes of treadmill exercise, gals who are able to complete 6-9 minutes of the same) are half as likely to develop high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease, reports a study sponsored by the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.  As side benefits, fit youths cut their risk of developing diabetes by 50% and tend to gain far less weight (as compared to their less-fit counterparts) over the long term.

"Heart disease is a major public-health problem that is responsible for one third of annual global deaths and one tenth of the global disease burden.  [The] challenge [is] to provide a comprehensive strategy to promote heart health among children and teenagers."  ~ Pan American Health Organization