Latest stats show stress and lack of physical activity are rising, putting Orange County residents’ heart health at risk

IRVINE, Calif., March 30, 2026—As people across the nation navigate higher levels of stress and spend more of their day sitting, finding time to move can feel challenging. Less than half of adults and fewer than one in five children in the U.S. get the recommended amount of physical activity needed for heart health, according to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart & Stroke Statistical Update. That’s why the Association invites communities nationwide to gather on Wednesday, April 1 for National Walking Day.

“The statistics tell an important story, but they don’t tell the whole story,” said Tim Schaefer, Director of Preconstruction, Technology Division at Rosendin and chair the 2026 Orange County Heart and Stroke Walk. “Many people want to move more and feel better, but they’re juggling a lot. National Walking Day is about meeting people where they are and supporting small steps that can make a real difference.”

National recommendations, supported by the American Heart Association, call for children to get at least an hour of physical activity each day—the latest statistics show that less than 19 percent of children in the U.S. achieve that. And less than half of adults get the recommended 150 minutes or more of weekly physical activity.

Walking is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to stay active. Research shows it not only lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease but also supports mental well-being:

• A study recently published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found engaging in at least 75 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, including brisk walking, lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease by 17%.
• Research recently published in the journal JAMA Network Open found adults who walked at least 5,000 steps a day had fewer symptoms of depression than those who did not.

“When life feels busy or stressful, movement can be one of the most supportive tools we have,” said Schaefer.  “Walking helps reduce stress, improve mood and support heart health, and it does not have to look the same for everyone. A short walk, a few minutes of stretching or moving when you can all count.”

To participate in National Walking Day, consider these ideas:

• Invite friends, family or colleagues to join you for a walk, in person or virtually.
• Take a phone call on the move or add a few minutes of movement between meetings.
• April showers? No problem. Walk indoors at a mall or other covered space.
• Bring your pet, a stroller or just yourself. Any movement counts.

For information about getting active and staying healthy, visit the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good™ initiative at heart.org/movemore. 

Additional Resources:

• Fight Stress With Healthy Habits (Infographic)
• Fit in Walking Morning, Noon or Night
• How Much Physical Activity Do You Need (Infographic)

The Orange County Heart and Stroke Walk will take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Angel Stadium of Anaheim.  An estimated 10,000 participants are expected to walk in celebration of local survivors and the lifesaving progress made in Orange County. The Orange County Heart and Stroke Walk is locally sponsored by McCarthy Building Companies, inc., Rosendin, Stryker, UCI Health and Edwards Livescience.  Companies interested in participating can contact local Heart and Stroke Walk Director Wendy Chien at Wendy.Chien@heart.org.  Learn more and register at OCHeartWalk.org.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.    

For Media Inquiries: 

Daniel Ruacho 480-773-2355 or daniel.ruacho@heart.org

For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)

heart.org and stroke.org