OKLAHOMA CITY, March 13, 2024 — Physical activity is one of the best ways to improve overall health and manage stress, yet 1 in 4 U.S. adults are sedentary for more than eight hours each day, which can have negative consequences on physical and mental health. The American Heart Association, the nation’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, established National Walking Day to encourage people to move more throughout their day.

This year, in celebration of the organization’s Centennial, communities across the country are invited to gather on Wednesday, April 3 to take a walk and raise awareness of the benefits of movement. 

“The American Heart Association is a relentless force for building healthier communities, one step at a time,” said Randy Ashcraft, vice president and chief operating officer of INTEGRIS Health Heart Hospital. He is also chairman of the 2024 OKC Heart Walk.

“National Walking Day demonstrates the progress that can happen when people come together and take steps, big or small, to improve the health of their communities,” Ashcraft said.

Walking is one of the simplest ways to get and stay active. Physical activity such as walking can help reduce stress, improve mood and sleep, and lower the risk of diseases. To participate in National Walking Day, the American Heart Association offers these tips:

  • Ask colleagues, friends or family to join you.
  • If you work remotely, take a conference call on the go. 
  • If you have a pet, get moving together! Walking is a win-win for the health of you and your pet. 

Supporters will have the bigger opportunity to move more and save lives at the 2024 OKC Heart Walk June 1 at Bicentennial Park in Oklahoma City.

For more tips about getting and staying healthy, visit the American Heart Association’s Healthy for GoodTM initiative at heart.org/movemore. 

Additional Resources:

For 100 years, the American Heart Association has saved and improved lives, pioneered scientific discovery and advocated for healthy public policies in communities across the country. These bold moves are fueled by our mission to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives. They have helped transform our nation’s health and significantly reduce heart disease and stroke death rates. But these gains have not been shared equitably. Black, Hispanic, Native American, Native Hawaiian, Asian American, Pacific Islander and LGBTQ+ people have suffered and died disproportionately. So have people in historically underrepresented communities all over the country. With Bold Hearts™ and powered by science, we pledge to work relentlessly to eliminate heart disease and stroke, optimize brain health and ensure equitable health in every community.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 - our Centennial year - we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.

For Media Inquiries

Cyd King: M 479.263.8473; cyd.king@heart.org

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

heart.org and stroke.org