Any any given day, tens of thousands of Americans scarf down fast food at lightening speed in front of their computer monitors. April 28, however, tens of thousands of Americans will do something crazy, drastic and unheard of– take a walk.
More than 60 percent of adults do not get the recommended amount of physical activity, but this Wednesday is your opportunity to join people across the nation during their lunch breaks for the fourth annual National Walk @ Lunch Day.
How can you get involved? National Walk@Lunch Day events will take place across the United States to demonstrate to participants that no matter what your schedule, anyone can easily integrate exercise to their day by taking a brisk walk at lunchtime.
Attention Washington, D.C.! Secretary Kathleen Sebelius of the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS) will join Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) president and CEO Scott Serota to kick off the fourth annual National Walk @ Lunch Day in Washington, D.C. The walk will begin at noon at the Hubert H. Humphrey Building on Independence Avenue S.W., and follow a scenic route along the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Attention Omaha! Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) will hold a walking event outside the company’s corporate headquarters in Omaha, kicked off by The Biggest Loser® former contestants, Marty Wolff and Amy Hildreth Wolff. BCBSNE is also coordinating with businesses across the state as they organize their own National Walk @ Lunch Day events, many of which will jump start the organizations’ spring walking programs.
Attention South Carolina! BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina will host community events in Columbia, Charleston and Greenville. A walking course, health and fitness information, entertainment and giveaways will be among the fun at each location.
Attention Kansas! Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas will hold community walking events at the State House grounds in Topeka and in downtown Wichita.
Attention Alabama! Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBSAL) will hold two walking events in the city of Birmingham. The first, a community event in a downtown Birmingham park, will host numerous employer groups, and feature vendors and exhibitors sharing health and fitness resources and giveaways. The second event, for BCBSAL employees, will take place at the company’s corporate headquarters.
Not near any of these locations? Not to worry, you can still participate. On April 28, when your lunch break begins, push back from your desk, lace up some sneaks, and walk. The journey to a healthy lifestyle begins with a single step.
