Employees at the local Square D plant were among those who took part in Wednesday’s National Start Walking Day.
They wore sneakers to work and walked at least 30 minutes during lunch time to support the fight against heart disease, the No. 1 killer in the United States, according to the American Heart Association. Donny Osmond is the celebrity endorsing the national effort.
Square D had 62 of its 91 employees take part, earning $5 Subway gift certificates along the way. The company has a trail at its 105 Summit Park Drive property, with three laps equaling a mile.
For each mile walked, workers got a gift certificate. One hundred were given out on the day.
Workers were encouraged to make a pledge to live a longer, healthier life.
The national program’s goal was to reach a million miles walked and $1 million donated Wednesday.
Benefits of walking include:
– Having the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity.
– The most simple positive change individuals can make to effectively improve their heart health.
Research also has shown that the benefits of walking and moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes total on most or every day of the week can help:
– Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.
– Improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
– Improve blood lipid profile.
– Maintain body weight and lower the risk of obesity.
– Enhance mental well-being.
– Reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
– Reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer.
– Reduce the risk of non-insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes.