According to multiple large studies, weekend warriors enjoy health benefits comparable to those of people who exercise a similar amount, but on a more regular basis.

The term "weekend warrior" refers to a person who exercises at least the recommended weekly amount (150 minutes of moderate intensity activity) but does so primarily within two days of the week – any two days, although most commonly these are weekend days.

Compared to people who get less than the recommended weekly amount of exercise, weekend warriors enjoy a 23 percent reduced risk of dementia, 13 percent reduced risk of stroke, 49 percent reduced risk of Parkinson's disease, 26 percent reduced risk of depression, and 28 percent reduced rate of anxiety.

So, the amount of exercise activity, rather than the regular pattern of it, is the determining factor for brain health benefits. Gigen Mammoser "'Weekend Warriors' Get the Same Brain Health Benefits As Regular Exercisers" healthline.com (Aug. 31, 2024).

Commentary

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a person can lower their risk of stroke by making healthy changes.

The greatest risk factor for stroke is high blood pressure. Other risk factors that increase the risk for stroke include:

• Smoking nicotine products
• Drinking too much alcohol
• Use of drugs such as cocaine or heroin
• Insufficient physical activity
• Having overweight or obesity

Take steps to lower the risk of a stroke by not smoking, watch your heart health, stay at a healthy weight, be active, and eat healthy foods. "Lower Your Risk of Stroke" health.gov (Sept. 28, 2024).

Here are some signs of a stroke:

• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
   
• Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
   
• Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
   
• Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
   
• Sudden severe headache with no known cause.

• If you think someone may be having a stroke, act F.A.S.T. and do the following simple test:

F—Face: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop?
A—Arms: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
S—Speech: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is the speech slurred or strange?
T—Time: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately.

• Note the time when any symptoms first appear. The most effective stroke treatments are only available if the stroke is recognized and diagnosed within 3 hours of the first symptoms.
   
• Call an ambulance, so that medical personnel can begin life-saving treatment on the way to the emergency room.