National Walking Day Observed in CT to Promote Heart Health

Wednesday, April 4 is the American Heart Association's National Walking Day.  On this day, employees are encouraged to wear sneakers to work and take at least 30 minutes out of their day to get up and walk. It's a great way to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity and to give coworkers a friendly nudge toward a healthier life.   Overall, the AHA recommends 150 minutes of physical activity, like brisk walking, each week. In Connecticut, radio station WDRC is advocating participation, mentioning the story of one of their own - afternoon host Floyd Wright, who returned to the airwaves recently after bypass surgery and now follows a walking and exercise  regimen.

Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the U.S. and Connecticut.  The Connecticut chapter of AHA reports that heart disease and stroke account for 31% of all female deaths in Connecticut, and that on average nearly 13 women die from heart attack and stroke each day in Connecticut.  Brisk walking for as little as 30 minutes a day will help:

• Improve self-image and energy level
• Reduce stress and anxiety
• Increase enthusiasm and optimism
• Improve muscle tone and strength
• Increase circulation
• Lower blood cholesterol, triglyceride and blood pressure levels
• Reduce weight and
• Lower bone loss