Little Steps Result In Big Gains On American Heart Association’s National Walking Day

On Wednesday, April 5, the American Heart Association (AHA) is commemorating its annual National Walking Day by encouraging people to walk towards a healthier life as part of AHA’s The Healthy For Good. The movement’s mission is to provide inspiration to all Americans, with the goal of provoking a lasting change in the lives of all. Making small changes today will create a difference for generations to come AHA notes.

Studies prove that even moderate physical activity like walking has many benefits that improve overall health. It can even relieve ailments such a high blood pressure, low levels of HDL, bad cholesterol and high weight, all of which affect millions of people in America. So, a simple act such as walking can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, the No. 1 and No.5 killer in people today.

National Walking Day launches American Heart Association’s month-long campaign that encourages people to increase their physical activity. Throughout the month of April, each week will be focused on an individual theme. Week one revolves around walking and all the basic tools one needs to get started on their new life. Weeks two and three focus more on recreational sports and different outdoor activities to help inspire the whole family to get in shape and stay healthy together. The final week highlights mindful movements to reduce stress and create inner peace throughout activities such as yoga, pilates, and tai chi.

The American Heart Association stresses the importance that adults perform at least 150 minutes of moderate intensive aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic activity each week. Slightly lower, kids should fit in around 60 minutes a week.

This important campaign will help the AHA raise awareness for the importance of physical activity in our everyday lives in order to benefit our country and bring down the amount of deaths caused by ailments that can be prevented by a simple task such as walking.

American Heart Association offers a free toolkit here: www.heart.org.