On April 3, Lancaster County residents are encouraged to ditch their chair and take steps toward a more active, healthier future to celebrate the American Heart Association’s National Walking Day.  On National Walking Day, Americans are encouraged to spend at least 30 minutes of their day briskly walking. The American Heart Association works with employers to make National Walking Day a workplace event by allowing employees to wear comfortable clothes and sneakers and participate in group fitness walks. For more information about National Walking Day and workplace tools, visit www.startwalkingnow.org.

Physical activity is critical to being healthy, but less than 50 percent of adults get enough daily exercise. Adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week to see the health benefits of physical activity such as lower blood pressure, improved bone health, weight maintenance after weight loss, better sleep, and more energy. The American Heart Association hopes people will continue to make physical activity a priority beyond National Walking Day and find the fun in being fit.

Rally your colleagues, family and friends and walk that day – the first of many more days to come!

Click on the above picture to download your personal pledge to start walking.