The American Heart Association’s National Walking Day is a chance for idle residents to get up and start moving to improve heart health.
National Walking Day will be observed tomorrow. Residents are becoming less active and the observance of walking and other activities allow young and old people alike to decrease the chance of heart disease, stroke and other diseases.
The American Heart Association encourages you to go walking with a friend on a path on which you both feel comfortable walking. You may also map out routes for new places to explore.
If it’s cool outside when you start walking, dress in layers to stay warm and remove layers as the temperature rises. Don’t overdress. If you start out a little chilly, remember that you’ll warm up after the first 10 minutes.
Walking briskly can lower your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
During this summer’s Healthy Challenge Series hosted by the Moving Starke County Forward organization, walkers can gather during the lunch hour at the Starke County Courthouse for lunch laps. Since the organization has a NASCAR theme, participants can log steps with fellow team members by walking counter-clockwise around the outside of the courthouse. Just a few steps a day can start a path toward heart health. Other group activities will be announced after the organization begins the effort to get healthy on May 2.
