How many steps a day do you really need to take?

Even a small increase in steps per day can lower risk of heart disease, dementia and cancer

Close-up of a person walking on a paved outdoor path, wearing black leggings and athletic shoes, with green trees and foliage in the background.

A modest increase in steps per day is associated with a lower risk of health complications, a new study finds.

Sorrasak Jar Tinyo/Getty Images

Walking just 7,000 steps per day can lower a person’s risk of certain health issues, according to a new study.