Physical activity is one of the best ways to improve overall health and manage stress, yet one in four U.S. adults are sedentary for more than eight hours each day, which can have significant consequences for physical and mental health. The American Heart Association (AHA), the nation’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, established National Walking Day to encourage people to move more throughout their day. This year, in celebration of the organization’s centennial, communities across the country are invited to gather on Wednesday, April 3, to take a walk and raise awareness of the benefits of movement.
“The American Heart Association is a relentless force for building healthier communities, one step at a time,” said Patrick Thomas, M.D., MBA, FACC, FAHA, president of the American Heart Association in Westchester County and a cardiologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Group Hudson Valley Cardiology. “National Walking Day demonstrates the progress that can happen when people come together and take steps, big or small, to improve the health of their communities.”
Walking is one of the simplest ways to get and stay active. Physical activity such as walking can help reduce stress, improve mood and sleep and lower the risk of diseases. To participate in National Walking Day, the American Heart Association offers these tips:
- Ask colleagues, friends or family to join you.
- Take a conference call on the go.
- Get moving with your pet. Walking is a win-win for the health of both of you.
For more tips about getting and staying healthy, visit the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good initiative at heart.org/movemore.
