Video: Start! Walking America: The American Heart Association's National Start! Walking Day I...( Calls on Americans coast-to-coast ...),Health

Calls on Americans coast-to-coast to walk for 30 minutes during their

workday

DALLAS, April 15 /PRNewswire/ -- April 16 is the American Heart Association's National Start! Walking Day. The call to action is simple: Americans should fit 30 minutes of walking into their workday.

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/aha/32529/

Studies reveal that American jobs have become more sedentary and that employees are working 164 more hours a year than they did 20 years ago. The Start! movement works with employers and the 142 million Americans in the workplace to create a culture of walking before, during or after work.

"Incorporating walking into your daily routine is one of the easiest changes you can make. You can hop off the bus or subway a stop or two earlier; you can take the stairs at work or park farther away," said American Heart Association President Dr. Daniel Jones. "There are lots of little ways to incorporate a few more steps, which can truly have life-changing results."

Companies across the country are celebrating National Start! Walking Day by hosting fitness rallies, establishing walking routes and encouraging employees to wear walking shoes to work on Wednesday, April 16.

The American Heart Association is partnering with Donny Osmond, who serves as the national spokesperson for National Start! Walking Day and the Start! campaign. In fall 2007, Osmond's father died of heart disease. Since then, Osmond has recommitted to maintaining his physical fitness.

"Good health is a very important component of my life, but with a demanding schedule and a busy family, I know what it's like to be unable to find the time," Osmond said. "That's why this program is so great. Walking is simple and it's free. Most people can find places to walk at work or in their communities. Yo
'/>"/>