The American Heart Association has designated Wednesday, April 3, 2013 as National Walking Day and Americans are encouraged to spend at least 30 minutes of their day briskly walking. The American Heart Association of Puget Sound and its sponsor, Union Bank, will also host a group walk in Downtown Seattle at noon at the bank’s Fifth and University Branch.

Physical activity is critical to being healthy, but less than 50 percent of adults get enough daily exercise. Adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week to see the health benefits of physical activity such as lower blood pressure, improved bone health, weight maintenance after weight loss, better sleep, and more energy. The purpose of National Walking Day is to encourage all of us to adopt active lifestyles and lower the risk for heart disease, which is the No. 1 killer in the United States.

“The goal is to get everyone to join the American Heart Association’s National Walking Day -- both employers and employees – and to have them commit to living a healthier lifestyle by choosing to walk more, eat well and live longer,” says Union Bank senior vice president and regional executive John Stephan.  “We have seen the benefits of this commitment at Union Bank, and look forward to seeing the benefits across the Puget Sound as well.”

Workers in Downtown Seattle can join the AHA, Union Bank, and other companies for a lunch time walk on April 3 beginning at noon. Everyone should meet outside the Union Bank branch at 5th and University for a one-mile group walk. Companies and groups that wish to organize their own walks and events can download a free participation guide from PugetSoundHeartWalk.org.  Information about community walks can also be found on the website.