Health and Fitness
December 10, 2012
Walking Advocates Convene to Create 2013 National Walking Movement
Representatives from Kaiser Permanente recently joined thought leaders and experts from more than 100 leading organizations representing public health, fitness, medicine, science, active transportation and the environment to develop a national agenda that will get our country up and walking. Also present to inspire the group were America’s top doctor, U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, MD, Chris Leinberger, Brookings Institution, Sahar Shirazi, U.S. Department of Transportation, Will Shafroth, U.S. Department of the Interior and Mary Pat King, National Parent Teacher Association.
The Kaiser Permanente Center for Total Health in Washington, D.C., which is a place to talk about health, was the backdrop for this powerful meeting of walking advocates in early December. The center features an 80-foot, interactive wall dedicated to promoting the amazing health benefits of walking.
The human body was made to walk. Because of modern advances, we have nearly eliminated walking from our daily routine. Those in attendance at the meeting are committed to creating a national walking movement to restore walking back to our culture by making it the safe and easy choice. Special attention was given to addressing disparities in access to walking and to providing opportunities for people with disabilities to also enjoy the many benefits of physical activity.
Walking a minimum of 30 minutes a day, five days a week can help address chronic conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity and depression that contribute to the escalating cost of health care. Walking is a simple, easy activity that most anyone can do. By creating a walking movement, we can not only improve the country’s overall health, but have a deeper connection to the communities where we live, work, learn and play.
How to get involved
For more information, visit the respective sites of the organizations that hosted the meeting: America Walks, American College of Sports Medicine, Every Body Walk!, Kaiser Permanente and Safe Routes to School National Partnership. If you or your organization is interested in partnering on the national walking movement, please email policy@acsm.org.
