Whether you work in Wahpeton or Williston, employees throughout the state are encouraged to take a walk during lunch on Wednesday, April 29.
The Blue Cross Blue Shield Association has designated the last Wednesday in April as National Walk@Lunch Day. This nationwide initiative encourages Americans to take time to walk during their lunch breaks to help improve their health.
Getting 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, such as a brisk walk, at least five times a week can improve your health.
Walking can help you:
- lower the risk of developing or dying from cardiovascular disease, hypertension or Type 2 diabetes
- improve the health of muscles, bones and joints
Join us or plan your own walk
If you’re in the Fargo area, feel free to join Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) employees at our lobby at noon for a walk.
If you work outside of Fargo, you can use Google maps or MapMyRun to plot out a route near your workplace.
We are partnering with the North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System (NDPERS) and Healthy North Dakota to host a walk in Bismarck. If you are in the area, please join us at 11:30 a.m. on April 29 in Memorial Hall of the Capitol. Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley will welcome attendees and lead the walk.
Walking tips
- Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes to work.
- Check the weather beforehand to see if you’ll need a jacket or umbrella.
- So you have time to walk on break, you might want to pack your lunch that day and use ice packs to keep your lunch cold if a refrigerator is not available.
- If the weather is warm, be sure to stay hydrated by drinking extra fluids. Water is your best choice.
- Keep safety in mind. Watch for unlevel ground or cracks in the sidewalk.
- Have fun!
Denise Pinkney is an editor in the Communications department at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota.