In Indiana, home to J.D. Byrider Corporate Headquarters, nearly 3 million Hoosiers are either overweight or obese. There are similar statistics all across America. Many people will resolve to get healthier in the New Year, including eating better and exercising more. One of the best resources to stay on track for lasting change is the American Heart Association’s free Start! program available at www.startwalkingnow.org.
Start! encourages a culture of physical activity through walking, an easy form of exercise that has the lowest dropout rate.
Other benefits of walking include:
• Walking an extra 20 minutes a day will burn off 7 pounds of body fat each year.
• Walking on a regular basis increases bone density, decreases mental stress, and improves circulation.
• Physical activity reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, colon cancer, dying prematurely.
The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate to vigorous physical activity, however, less than one-third of Hoosiers engage in regular physical activity.
“Physically inactive people are at greater risk for cardiovascular disease because their blood vessels shrink in size and it takes less cholesterol to create a serious blockage,” said Dr. Ed Harlamert, president and CEO of Heart Partners of Indiana, which is part of Clarian Cardiovascular. “That’s why exercise is so important – among its many benefits, blood flow opens up your arteries and can actually help to diminish the degree of any blockages you might have.”
There are other statistics and recommendations that can help you make the decision to “start” living healthier. The average American works 164 hours more hours per year today than 20 years ago. And, more of today’s jobs are performed in sedentary positions – in front of computers, in long commutes or long-distance business travel. It’s almost necessary to force yourself to get up and move to get the exercise you need. Fortunately, walking is one of the easiest things to do. So, get up from your desk and walk around your office. Park farther away when you go to the mall or grocery store. Take the aisle rather than the people-mover.
The association also recommends adults eat five servings of fruits or vegetables per day – something only 23 percent of Hoosiers say they do. Think about your own eating habits, wherever YOU are – do YOU eat five servings of fruits or vegetables a day? Maybe it’s time to “start”!
At www.startwalkingnow.org, you can learn more about the Start! program. There is information for improving both diet and exercise, including:
• Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations
• Grocery List Builder
• Nutrition Database & Facts
• Motivational Tips
• Walking Tips
• Injury Prevention Tips
• Goal Setting
• Weight Control
• Holiday Healthy Eating Booklet , and more
Start! is sponsored nationally by Subway and in locally by J.D. Byrider, Clarian Cardiovascular and American Health Network.

Come on feet…Start! Walkin’…