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The American Heart Association called on people to move more, stress less, and take steps toward a longer, healthier life on National Walk Day.
The American Heart Association said - in a statement carried by Eurek Alert - that physical activity is one of the best ways to improve overall health and manage stress.
The American Heart Association launched National Walking Day in 2007. National Walking Day, which is celebrated annually on the first Wednesday in April, encourages people to move more throughout the day.
"Walking is a simple way to add more physical activity to your day, and the benefits go beyond physical health," said Monique Jimenez, an instructor at Harvard's TH Chan School of Public Health.
"Getting the recommended amount of physical activity each week, which can be achieved through walking, is associated with a lower risk of disease, stronger bones and muscles and improved mental health," he added.
Physical activity such as walking can help reduce stress, improve mood and sleep, and reduce the risk of disease, according to physical activity guidelines issued by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
For adults, the American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as brisk walking or gardening, or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity such as running or aerobic dancing, or a combination of both activities at some level of intensity.
In addition, the American Heart Association recommends engaging in moderate to high-intensity muscle-strengthening activity two days a week, such as resistance training, including weightlifting.
Source: Eurek Alert