National Start! Walking Day

Start! Key Messages
Statistics:

o Heart disease and stroke continue to be the nation’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers.
o 66 percent of Americans are overweight.

o Physically active people reduce their CVD risk by 30%.

o Studies show that for every hour of brisk walking, life expectancy may increase by two hours.

o The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of physical activity, like brisk walking, each week.

Why walk:
o Walking is easy, safe and free and has the lowest dropout rate of any type of exercise.

o Walking during the day is as easy as parking farther away from your office, taking the stairs, walking to lunch, or hopping off the train or bus a stop or two earlier.

o Walking is the single most effective form of exercise to achieve heart health.

National Start! Walking Day:

o The American Heart Association is encouraging everyone to get moving more through its Start! initiative.

o National Start! Walking Day calls on all Americans and their employers to incorporate at least 30 minutes of brisk walking into their day. National Start! Walking Day is Wednesday, April 6.

o On Wednesday, April 6, the American Heart Association will unveil hundreds of Start! designated walking paths across the nation.

American Heart Association’s Start! assets: Start! offers FREE tools via startwalkingnow.org:

o a fitness and nutrition tracker to document calories consumed, steps taken and locate nearby walking paths

o a social networking tool to find and support other like-minded walkers
o three customized walking plans with videos designed for beginner, intermediate and advanced walkers

o downloadable seasonal walking guides with tips to maintain a routine despite the weather conditions

Will you join me??