National Walk@Lunch Day

WHEREAS, getting 30 minutes of physical activity, such as a brisk walk, at least five times a week can result in significant health benefits such as lowering the risk of developing or dying from cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes and improving the health of muscles, bones and joints; and

WHEREAS, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates the cost to treat illnesses and chronic diseases caused by inactive lifestyles is nearly $1,000 for every family in America, every year; and

WHEREAS, physical activity is vital to the well-being of all Americans and National Walk@Lunch Day is an opportunity for Americans to carve time out of their busy work schedules to exercise and become healthier; and

WHEREAS, National Walk@Lunch Day is a workplace walking event that encourages employees to walk during their lunch break, making exercise a convenient and easy choice during the day; and

WHEREAS, the state of Alabama will participate in National Walk@Lunch Day, improving the health of those residents, step-by-step; and

WHEREAS, the State of Alabama encourages all citizens to recognize the importance of walking as part of a healthy lifestyle:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert Bentley, Governor of Alabama, do hereby proclaim April 29, 2015, as

National Walk@Lunch Day

in the state of Alabama.