The New York Times (2/13, Reynolds) reports, “Jogging for 15 minutes a day, or walking or gardening for somewhat longer, could help protect people against developing depression,” researchers concluded in a study published online Jan. 23 in JAMA Psychiatry. For the study, investigators turned “to the UK Biobank, an enormous database of genetic and health information for almost 400,000 men and women.” Next, the study team “identified people who carried at least one of several gene variants believed to increase the likelihood someone will be active. Most of those people were active, and few of them had experienced depression.” Using “Mendelian randomization,” the study authors found that, “statistically, the ideal amount of exercise to prevent depression started at about 15 minutes a day of running or other strenuous exercise,” while “less-taxing activities like fast walking, housework and so on also afforded protection against depression, but it took about an hour a day to have an effect.” (SOURCE: APA Headlines)