Lace Up For American Heart Association's National Walking Day

CHICAGO, March 26, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- ArcelorMittal, one of the world's leading steel companies, is encouraging people across the country to take steps toward a healthier lifestyle by supporting National Walking Day on Wednesday, April 2, 2014.

National Walking Day is the American Heart Association's nationwide call to action for Americans to get more physically active. ArcelorMittal is supporting National Walking Day by hosting walking events near local plant sites, providing healthy living resources for employees, and encouraging other local companies to let their employees wear sneakers to work on April 2 in order to take a walk during the day.

"According to the American Heart Association, walking is the single most effective form of exercise with one of the lowest dropout rates. National Walking Day is the perfect time to start incorporating a brisk walk into your daily routine to achieve better heart health," said Andy Harshaw, Executive Vice President, Operations at ArcelorMittal USA.

Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the United States. On National Walking Day, a day where hundreds of thousands across the nation take steps to improve their health, Americans are encouraged to spend at least 30 minutes of their day briskly walking.

While physical activity is critical to being healthy, less than 50 percent of adults get enough daily exercise. Adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week to see the health benefits of physical activity such as lower blood pressure, improved bone health, weight maintenance after weight loss, better sleep, and more energy.

The workplace can play a key role in health and wellness. Americans work 164 more hours a year than two decades ago, and sedentary jobs have increased 83 percent since 1950. Health problems cost corporate America nearly $226 billion annually in productivity losses. On National Walking Day, companies across the country are asked to allow employees to wear sneakers to work on April 2 to go for a walk. Americans are also encouraged to take a walk with family members, friends, and neighbors after work hours.

For more information on National Walking Day and a free downloadable tool kit with health tips and resources to host a National Walking Day event at your workplace or in your community, go to www.startwalkingnow.org

SOURCE American Heart Association