This editorial appeared recently in the New Haven Register.

Getting up for that early-morning run is turning out to be not so healthful for many joggers. Each day, millions of Americans wake up, lace up their running shoes and hit the streets running to maintain a healthier lifestyle. It is estimated that nearly 46 million people jog or run in some capacity — from 5K races to marathons — annually. Health officials say jogging improves cardiovascular health, helps build stronger bones and strengthens muscles and helps maintain a healthy weight.

But the sport is proving sometimes to be dangerous — particularly for women — and is a growing concern here in Connecticut and across the nation. While there is no need for runners and joggers to be paranoid, two recent high-profile cases lend to the credence that caution is needed and some joggers are targeted.

Vanessa Marcotte was killed jogging in Princeton, Mass., and Karina Vetrano was slain while jogging in Queens, N.Y.

While there has not been a rash of joggers being killed, mugged or hurt in Connecticut, joggers have been accosted in New Haven going as far back as 2004 when a Yale University student was attacked and more recently, in 2013, when a 63-year-old man who lives in the Beaver Hills neighborhood was attacked by teens in Edgewood Park.

But whether jogging in New York, Massachusetts, Virginia or Ohio, female joggers are being raped and murdered and many female runners are feeling the fear. Some women are taking defense classes as a precautionary measure, others are offering advice and tips on staying safe while getting your run on.

Running in groups or with a buddy is key for safety. So is wearing safety gear, which can include headlamps, bright reflective vest, knuckle lights and carrying runner’s defensive spray. Other tips are running against traffic, wearing only one earbud while listening to music and being watchful of neighborhood and stray dogs.

New Haven Assistant Police Chief Achilles Generoso says joggers are passionate about their sport but urges them never to jog alone in secluded areas; be aware of their surroundings; keep a cellphone handy; and tell someone where they are jogging and what time to expect them to return.

That’s advice that can possibly save a life — and joggers and runners should heed it.