Start anew or renew your commitment to better health and help the fight against the nation's No. 1 killer - heart disease - this Wednesday, April 7, 2010 by walking for at least 30 minutes in honor of the American Heart Association's National Start! Walking Day.  This event occurs annually on the first Wednesday in April. On this day the American Heart Association (AHA) encourages all Americans to lace up your sneakers and get moving to reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke.

A sedentary lifestyle increases your risk for cardiovascular disease.  Time spent on the job and the nature of work for many Americans today has made getting and staying active difficult. Did you know that Americans are working 164 more hours per year than they did 20 years ago?  And, that the number of sedentary jobs has increased by 83% since 1950?

The American Heart Association is offering a free toolkit for those in the workplace who want to celebrate National Start! Walking Day office-wide.  To register, visit the American Heart Association's website.  Once you have registered, the AHA will immediately email you a how-to guide, a six week walking program, heart-healthy recipes, downloads, and tips on how to improve your cardiovascular health.

Celebrating National Start! Walking Day doesn't have to be limited to just the workplace, it can be recognized in the schools and/or community wide.  Over the next six weeks and beyond, the AHA wants you to step toward better health and a better tomorrow.  For more information on how you can participate and spread the word about National Start! Walking Day visit their website or call (248) 827-4214.

Note:  Before beginning an exercise program or increasing the intensity level of a current routine, a physician's approval should be obtained, especially for older adults and those at risk for or who currently have chronic health conditions.

Resource:
American Heart Association