The American Heart Association, the nation’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, established National Walking Day to encourage people to move more throughout their day. This year, in celebration of the organization’s Centennial, communities across the country are invited to gather on Wednesday, April 3 at 1 p.m. to take a walk and raise awareness of the benefits of movement.

National Walking Day demonstrates the progress that can happen when people come together and take steps, big or small, to improve the health of their communities.

Walking is one of the simplest ways to get and stay active. Physical activity such as walking can help reduce stress, improve mood and sleep, and lower the risk of diseases. To participate in National Walking Day, the American Heart Association offers these tips:

• Ask colleagues, friends or family to join you.
• If you work remotely, take a conference call on the go.
• If you have a pet, get moving together! Walking is a win-win for the health of you and your pet.

To participate in National Walking Day, invite friends, family, colleagues or even a pet to join in on a walking route of your choice.

Getting the recommended amount of physical activity (at least 150 minutes of moderate, 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or a combination of those activities per week) is linked to lower risk of diseases, stronger bones and muscles, improved mental health and cognitive function and lower risk of depression. A recent study found that swapping just 30 minutes of sitting with low-intensity physical activity reduced risk of death by 17%.

For more tips about getting and staying healthy, visit the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good^TM initiative at heart.org/movemore.