Behavior Change and Health News
National Walk to Work Day: Friday, April 2
Friday, April 2, 2004, has been officially named National Walk to Work Day. In an effort to encourage Americans to incorporate more walking into their daily routine, National Walk to Work Day has received a presidential proclamation and will become a day for all of us to either walk to work or walk more during the day.
Active Living Every Day promotes walking as a way to include more activity into your lifestyle and improve your health. You don’t need special equipment (other than a good pair of shoes); you can walk almost anywhere; and you can walk by yourself or with family, friends, or coworkers.
Reports show that people in the United States do not get enough physical activity. The U.S. Surgeon General recommends that adults accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate activity on most, if not all, days of the week. Most Americans are nowhere near meeting this goal. Obesity and lack of physical activity are catching up to smoking as the leading causes of preventable death in the United States. You can help to reduce the number of preventable deaths by becoming more active and encouraging others to do the same.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy Thompson says, “The science continues to show that walking just 30 minutes a day can have a real, positive effect on your health. For those of you who live too far away to walk to work, find another time to walk during the day . . . and take a coworker with you. Just by taking a few simple steps we can all live healthier, happier, longer lives.”
For more information on Active Living Every Day and ways to become and stay more active, click here.
Sources:
MSN Fitness and Recreation. Friday, April 2: National Walk to Work Day. http://fitness.msn.com
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