Get Grounded on April 16th

Keeping your feet on the ground goes beyond being realistic about your life’s goals. It can also help you to significantly reduce your risk of heart disease… if you’re using those feet to walk across the ground. J

Wednesday, April 16th, is National Start! Walking Day, a day created by the American Heart Association to encourage Americans to get more activity.  Why walking?

Walking has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity, and is the simplest positive change individuals can make to effectively improve their heart health. Research has shown that the benefits of walking and moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes total on most or every day of the week can help you:

Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease

Improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels

Improve blood lipid profile

Maintain body weight and lower the risk of obesity

Enhance mental well-being

Reduce the risk of osteoporosis

Reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer

Reduce the risk of non-insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes

According to the website, “…for every hour of regular, vigorous exercise we do … we can live two hours longer”. Wow! That’s impressive.

Personally, I won’t walk to work on the 16th; it’s just too far. I may go for a walk during the day, but it’s not a high priority for me since I already get regular brisk exercise by doing my stairs every day along with weight training twice a week.

I think it’s great, though, that the American Heart Association is promoting walking by developing such a comprehensive program that companies can use to motivate their staffs. Exercise is so important to our physical and mental health, and everyone should be encouraged and supported to do it regularly.