On Wednesday, businesses across the Tennessee Valley will join the American Heart Association in commemorating National Walking Day. Following a mayoral proclamation, leaders from across Chattanooga will join Heart Walk Chairman Terry Hart, president and CEO of the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority, in kicking off the 2016 fundraising campaign and will be invited to walk the newly designated walking path inside the hospital. Visitors and employees are encouraged to use this ½ mile loop to get moving and stay active.
“Thirty minutes of physical activity a day can provide many heart-healthy benefits,” says Larry Schumacher, CEO of CHI Memorial and 2016 Heart Walk Executive Cabinet member. “National Walking Day encourages people in our community to make the small changes that add up to better health.”
Some of the ways the American Heart Association suggests getting active on National Walking Day include taking 30 minutes at lunch to walk outside, using the stairs instead of the elevator, and taking “heart walk” meetings rather than brainstorming around a table. They also suggest talking to your supervisor about your desire to be healthier and providing options at the worksite for employee wellness.
National Walking Day is part of the Tennessee Valley Heart Walk, which be held on Oct. 29 at AT&T Field. For more information, visit www.chattanoogaheartwalk.org.
Event Sponsors include CHI Memorial, HealthSouth Chattanooga Rehabilitation Hospital, Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Health Foundation, Republic Parking System, Waterhouse PR, Vision Hospitality Group, and Cigna.