CHARLESTON, W.Va. — People in and around the St. Francis Hospital in Charleston took a walk outside the building Wednesday as part of “National Walking Day” declared by the American Heart Association.
The association partnered with Thomas Health System to encourage workers to get up and move around throughout the day to improve heart health.
According to the AHA, about 6,000 West Virginians die each year from cardiovascular disease and stroke. Walking 30 minutes a day for five days a week can help reduce the risk of heart disease, contribute to weight loss, lower cholesterol, and steady blood pressure.
The AHA encouraged employees to bring their sneakers to work Wednesday, get up from their cubicles, and walk together.
“We’re going to walk around just to let everybody know we’re in this together and ‘The Beat Goes On!’ as my T-shirt says,” said Karen Bowling, secretary for the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.
Bowling said the partnership is important because it helps raise awareness in work places. They are trying to encourage people to make a difference in their lives by doing something as simple as walking.
“Many people at work say ‘Oh but I don’t have time.’ We’re here to emphasize that ‘Yes you do,'” said Bowling.
Bowling suggested that employees take the stairs instead of waiting for the elevator. She said they should walk around sidewalks or hallways during lunch breaks instead of always sitting down.
The AHA wanted people to see them walking outside, so they could encourage others to do the same.
“We’ll be inspiring people to make that a regular routine. The key is to not just walk today. The key is that we are walking every day and we are conscious of the fact that we need to do so,” said Bowling.
Bowling said walking is for all ages and is the single most effective form of exercise West Virginians can do to achieve a healthier heart.