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Local American Heart Association chapter marks National Walking Day
BOARDMAN
Alfreda and Joseph Perez of Youngstown have been trying to exercise more.
Wednesday was the perfect opportunity to do just that, as the American Heart Association Youngstown marked “National Walking Day” with a 1.5-mile walk in Mill Creek Park. Across the Mahoning Valley, about 200 other groups also walked.
“It’s a nice day to walk. It’s a little cool,” said Alfreda. “But it’s going to be brisk, and it’s going to be good for us.”
The American Heart Association agrees. AHA Youngstown Metro Executive Director Brian Duchon said that even a moderate amount of walking can make a difference in terms of health.
“Really anyone can start with walking to lead a more active lifestyle. That’s the easiest way for people to get started. A lot of times we hear people say, ‘I don’t know how to start,’” he said. “Walking around the block is a good first step.”
According to AHA, moderate physical activity such as walking helps lower blood pressure, increases the “good” type of cholesterol and helps keep weight under control. Overall, it helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke.
The AHA recommends that adults get 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, or 75 minutes of more-intense aerobic activity, according to a news release. For children, the recommendation is 60 minutes per day.
“My big thing is: Even these small steps can make a big impact. That’s what we’re trying to get folks to do today,” said Duchon.
Also participating in the Mill Creek Park walk was Erika Lane of Boardman and her son Axl, 2.
For her, it’s not just about her own health, but her son’s.
“I know he’s getting to an age where he’s more impressionable, and I want to be a good role model for him,” Lane said.
The lesson seems to be sticking.
As the group got ready to begin the hike, Axl called out excitedly, “Mama workout!”