With warmer weather on the horizon, the American Heart Association is encouraging Americans to think about the benefits of physical activity.
Spending just 30 minutes per day could reduce the risk of breast and colon cancers and heart-related issues such as coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes and osteoporosis.
AHA’s National Walking Day on April 5 advocates the importance of regular physical activity and asks individuals, schools and workplaces participate either through hosting an event or utilizing educational materials as part of its Healthy for Good movement.
Statewide and local initiatives already have been introduced to gear up for the big occasion.
In Salem, Ore., Just Walk Salem Keizer is organizing two events, one of which will be held at the state Capitol building.
A statewide initiative in Alabama is telling residents to lace up and walk 2 million steps, an effort to drop its ranking as one of the top 15 U.S. states for obesity.
Becky Zubich, CEO of Mesabi Family YMCA in Virginia, Minn. offered the following suggestions to community newspaper Hometown Focus.
- Take the dog out for a stroll.
- Spend quality time with the family at the park.
- Window shop at a mall or downtown.
- Park farther from the entrance to your workplace.
- Use the stairs instead of the elevator.
To find out more about what your community is doing for National Walking Day, browse the website of your local AHA affiliate.