For Immediate Release: Tuesday, April 2, 2019
With spring in the air and blossoms on the trees, the season is perfect to observe National Walking Day this Wednesday, April 3. As part of the American Heart Association’s efforts to promote healthy living, National Walking Day was established in 2007 and has more recently become part of the Association’s Move More Month.
According to the American Heart Association, about 80 percent of adults in the U.S. don’t get enough physical activity. Science shows that being more active can help you feel, think and sleep better. The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity
per week for adults and 60 minutes per day for children and adolescents.
Montgomery County offers plentiful opportunities for those looking to walk more. To get in more strides, consider starting your own informal walking group in your neighborhood or office. It can be as simple as a morning, lunchtime or after-work walk. Take advantage of our many parks for a stroll or more rigorous hike. Visit heart.org/MoveMore and use the American Heart Association’s free tips and tools to stay motivated with a walking program.
As always, put safety first by tucking your phone and ear buds away and staying alert to traffic. Cross busy streets at a signal or marked mid-block crossing, and cross after all the cars have stopped or passed. Make eye contact with drivers before you cross to help assure that drivers see you. Check out the Montgomery County Vision Zero tips and MCDOT Pedestrian Safety page for more information.
Wherever your steps take you, join the celebration of National Walking Day to start your spring with new habits that help support longer, stronger, healthier lives.