Start! Walk

When was the last time you took a walk? It could be a stroll around the mall, a short walk to relieve some stress, or it could be a part of your daily exercise routine.

Have you ever considered the effects walking has on your heart? I hadn’t until Florida Hospital participated in the National Start! Walking Day on April 7th, a program trademarked by the American Heart Association.

In harmony with our Healthy 100 campaign, a program designed to create a culture of health and wellness among employees and the community, over 1,000 Florida Hospital employees brought their walking shoes to work at our seven hospitals and two office complexes. A walking route was mapped out at each campus and employees were given t-shirts and water bottles. My team enjoyed being outside and getting to know individuals from other departments.

According to the American Heart Association, research shows that the benefits of walking and moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day can help:

 Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease
 Improve blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and blood lipid profile
 Maintain body weight and lower the risk of obesity
 Enhance mental well being
 Reduce the risk of osteoporosis, breast and colon cancer
 Reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes

If you would like to work for an organization that values its employees and their health,

please visit, http://www.floridahospitalcareers.com/.