American Heart Association, Union Bank to host group walk in downtown LA
LOS ANGELES, March 23, 2016 – Heart disease is the nation’s No. 1 killer and stroke is the leading cause of disability. LA’s workforce can make a positive impact on their heart and brain health, starting with simple steps – take 30 minutes of the day on National Walking Day, April 6, to get up and walk and stay active throughout the month.
Those who work and live in or near Downtown LA are invited to participate in the National Walking Day celebration hosted by the American Heart Association (AHA) and Union Bank at Union Bank Plaza (445 South Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90071) from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Join hundreds for a one-mile group walk, free blood pressure screenings, CPR demonstration, healthy treats and more. The AHA and Union Bank have co-hosted the National Walking Day Downtown LA celebration for several years. For more information about the event, or to download a free toolkit to host your own walk, visit www.heartwalkla.org.
Americans are spending more time at work and sitting in front of a screen than ever before. Being physically active is important to prevent heart disease and stroke, which are responsible for more deaths in the U.S. than all forms of cancer combined.
“Our support of the American Heart Association has been a tremendous opportunity for us at Union Bank to show our employees, our customers, and the community that we are committed to raising the awareness of the importance and health benefits of physical activity through walking,” said Union Bank’s Managing Director and Regional President, Los Angeles and Central Coast Division Leticia Aguilar.
The American Heart Association designated the first Wednesday of April as National Walking Day in an effort to encourage more Americans to adopt an active lifestyle and reduce their risk of heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.
Research has shown that every hour of regular exercise can add about two hours to life expectancy, even if you don’t start until midlife. In addition, physical activity can relieve depression, improve memory, lower blood pressure and help prevent obesity.
The AHA recommends 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity, five times a week. Breaking up exercise into two or three segments of 10 to 15 minutes per day will deliver the same health benefits.
For more information about the Los Angeles National Walking Day event, call Kelsey Muir at 213-291-7060 or visit www.heartwalkla.org. National Walking Day is sponsored in Los Angeles by Union Bank and Keck Medicine of USC.