Walking is not just a leisurely activity; it’s a powerful catalyst for improving your health and longevity. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a significant portion of adults in the U.S. lead sedentary lives, with at least one in four adults sitting for more than eight hours a day. This level of inactivity can negatively affect both physical and mental health. To combat this, the American Heart Association (AHA) initiated National Walking Day in 2007 to highlight the importance of regular physical activity.
Held on the first Wednesday of April each year, National Walking Day serves as a call to action for Americans to integrate more movement into their daily lives. This year, on April 3, individuals across the country are encouraged to take a walk at their convenience, to not only increase their own health but also to promote community awareness about the benefits of physical activity. Monik Jiménez, an esteemed volunteer at the AHA and an instructor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, notes that walking is an easy way to fit exercise into your schedule and that it offers multiple health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic illnesses, enhancing muscular strength, and improving bone health.
Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, the AHA’s chief medical officer for prevention, remarks on the organization’s ongoing mission to advocate for healthier lives through supportive public policies and community programs. As the AHA celebrates its 100th anniversary, it remains dedicated to advancing public health, with walking touted as a simple yet effective activity that individuals can adopt to experience significant health improvements.
Here are some tips from the American Heart Association to make the most out of National Walking Day:
- Team up with friends, family, or coworkers to enjoy a group walk.
- Consider walking meetings to stay active even during work hours.
- Involve your pets in your walking routine to boost their health along with yours.
- Establish a post-dinner walking routine with your family to relax and digest.
- Share your walking achievements on social media using the hashtag #WalkingDay to inspire others.
Consistent with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ guidelines, walking can help reduce stress, improve mood and sleep quality, and decrease the risk of various health issues. The AHA advises adults to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activities like brisk walking each week, complemented by two days of muscle-strengthening activities. This balanced approach not only enhances physical health but also contributes to overall emotional well-being.