Employees walk their way to better
health
About
100 MUSC employees traded in their lunch breaks for a brisk walk
across campus during the annual Start! Walking Day led by Health 1st
Employee Wellness Program.Little signs posted along the walk route reminded participants, as well as non-participants, of the numerous benefits of walking.
About 100 MUSC
employees walk along Doughty Street on National Start! Walking Day
April 16.In its second year, the number of MUSC employees participating in the April 16 Start! Walking Day has more than tripled. Many of these walkers also are active in Health 1st walking clubs, coordinated by Annie Lovering, R.N., MUSC wellness coordinator.
“If I remember correctly, we had about 30 participants last year,” said Lovering. “It was a fun event.”
National Start! Walking Day is sponsored by the American Heart Association (AHA) as part of a five-part Start! exercise, fitness and healthy lifestyle campaign promoted throughout the year. Though all forms of exercise are encouraged, vigorous walking is the main exercise pushed by Start!, because more people can commit to walking as part of a healthy lifestyle, said Courtney Ellicott, AHA communications and marketing director.
Health 1st , based in University Risk Management, encourages healthier lifestyle through various programs for employees, including smoking cessation, healthy diet, and exercise. It also is the area’s local Start! sponsor.
Later this year, MUSC will be participating in other Start! programs, including its main fundraising event, the Lowcountry Heart Walk Sept. 20.
For information visit http://www.musc.edu/medcenter/health1st, or call 792-9959.
Friday, April 25, 2008
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