Take steps towards a longer, healthier life National Walking Day is Wednesday, April 3rd
Walking is one of the most versatile forms of exercise, because you can do it just about anytime, anywhere. These tips will help you get your walk on at the right time for you.
Fit in Walking Morning, Noon or Night
The American Heart Association invites people to move more and stress less as organization celebrates 100 years of lifesaving work.
Why is Walking the Most Popular Form of Exercise?
Research has shown that walking at a lively pace at least 150 minutes a week can help you:
- Think better, feel better and sleep better.
- Reduce your risk of serious diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes and several types of cancer.
- Improve your blood pressure, blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels.
- Increase your energy and stamina.
- Improve your mental and emotional well-being and and reduce risk of depression.
- Improve memory and reduce your risk of dementia.
- Boost bone strength and reduce your risk of osteoporosis.
- Prevent weight gain.
If 150 minutes sounds like a lot, remember that even short activity sessions can be added up over the week to reach this goal. And it’s easy to fit in a few minutes of walking a several times a day.
Move More Tips:
When is the best time of day to work out?
Trying to find the best time for exercise? The truth is, it’s personal! Follow these tips to figure out what fitness routine works best for you.
How to Be More Active During the Work Day
You can build physical activity into your workday to be less sedentary and get more exercise. Walking, alternating sitting with standing, taking active breaks from the computer, and sneaking in mini workouts at your desk are just a few of the ways you can move more, get fit and burn calories on the job.
The American Heart Association's Office of Health Equity houses the following:
- Investing in local entrepreneurs, small businesses and organizations that are breaking down the social and economic barriers to healthy lives.
- Powers the AHA’s goal to reduce health disparities and address social determinants of health so all people have the opportunity to live longer, healthier lives.
- We also support our Empowered to Serve™ initiatives which include Empowered Scholars, local and national EmPOWERED to Serve™ Business Accelerator, and Interactive Health Lessons.
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of new moms, and Black women are often hit the hardest. Go Red for Women is committed to addressing the maternal health crisis and raising awareness about risk.
Stress Awareness Month
Stress may contribute to poor health behaviors linked to increased risk for heart disease and stroke, such as:
- Smoking
- Overeating
- Lack of physical activity
- Unhealthy diet
- Being overweight
- Not taking medications as prescribed
Join the Nation of Lifesavers
You could be the difference between life and death for someone experiencing a cardiac event. Be ready to act by learning CPR.
Follow the latest heart and brain news: National Science and Program News and Your Local News (search by category/region)
Calendar Highlights
National Minority Health Month, Stress Awareness Month, Move More Together Month, National Pet Month, National Garden Month, National Pecan Month (recipes)
Calendar Dates
April 1 – April Fools’ Day
April 1-7 – National Public Health Week
April 2 – World Autism Awareness Day
April 3 – National Walking Day
April 7 – World Health Day, Walk to Work Day
April 9 – End of Ramadan
April 9-15 - National Public Safety Telecommunications Week
April 11 – National Pet Day - Move More with your Pet | Hug Your Dog Day
April 11-17 - Black Maternal Health Week
April 14 – National Gardening Day | National Day of Silence (LGBT observance)
April 15 – Tax Day
April 21-27 – National Volunteer Week, National Administrative Professionals Week
April 22 – Earth Day
April 22-30 – Passover
April 26 – Administrative Professionals Day, National Arbor Day
April 27 – Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day
