National Walk to Work Day is Friday, April 3rd

March 21, 9:32 PMHealth ExaminerAngela Spears

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Walkstations at Mutual of Omaha, USA.
 

National Walk to Work Day is Friday, April 3rd.  Endorsed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this annual event encourages Americans to turn their commute into an exercise opportunity.

Obesity is rapidly becoming the number-one healthcare problem in North America, Europe and Asia.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of obesity among adults aged 20-74 more than doubled between 1980 and 2006, soaring from 15 percent to nearly 33 percent. Numerous studies demonstrate that moderate exercise for 30 minutes per day reduces the risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke and diabetes.

Guidelines for National Walk to Work Day are flexible. If walking to work is impractical, walk up the stairs instead of using the elevator. If you take public transportation, get off a stop early and walk the rest of the way. And if your commute is too long to consider walking, walk to lunch.

Another idea that is being used in offices in some U.S. companies is walking at work.  The Walkstation, a combination treadmill and worksurface, developed by Details, the Walkstation integrates an electric height-adjustable worksurface with a low-speed, commercial-grade treadmill exclusively engineered for Details. The device is most often used as a shared resource.

The American Heart Association offers online support for individuals to supplement their wellness commitments. It provides tips for helping reach fitness goals, as well as nutritional information, and information about their National Start! Walking Day Wednesday, April 8th.