Walking 4 to 5 miles a day linked to several health benefits, study says

BOSTON - Many experts recommend a goal of 10,000 steps a day for improved fitness. Now new research backs that up.

A study by JAMA Neurology found that walking about 10,000 steps a day, which is about 4-5 miles depending on your stride, was associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke, 13 types of cancer, and dementia. 

Walking at a faster pace is even better. 

But don't worry, if you can't get 10,000 steps in daily, walking any distance at any pace will still provide some health benefits.