National Walking Day

Take the first step to a healthier life by taking part in the American Heart Association’s National Walking Day celebrated on the first Wednesday in April. Today you are encouraged to lace up your sneakers and take 30 minutes out of your day to get up and walk. Walking is low-risk and easy to start. It can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and other diseases.

American Heart Association recommends that adults get 150 minutes or more of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity each week. Even short 10 minute activity sessions can be added up over the week to reach this goal. If you would benefit from lowering your blood pressure or cholesterol, aim for 40 minute sessions of moderate to vigorous activity 3 to 4 times a week. You could do this by walking 2 miles briskly (about 4 miles/hr). If that’s too fast, choose a more comfortable pace.