Bayfront Health is "Tied to be Fit" on National Walking Day
Charlotte County, FL (March 26, 2014) – On Wednesday, April 2, Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda will join thousands of other companies, schools and individuals in the American Heart Association’s National Walking Day, a nationwide call-to-action for Americans to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Called “Tied to be Fit,” the event is open to the public and walkers should meet at 7:30 am at the corner of Hwy 41N and Retta Esplanade (across from the Wyvern Hotel) in Punta Gorda to walk across the bridge together.
As Charlotte County’s American Heart Association My Heart.My Life cause partner, Bayfront Health knows the cost of inactivity on our nation:
- As a nation, we’re becoming more physically inactive, doubling our risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Heart disease and stroke are America’s No. 1 and No. 4 killers. Being physically active and eating an overall healthy diet reduces a majority of the controllable risk factors for these diseases.
- Eighty percent of adults in America don’t get enough physical activity.
- Over 68% of American adults (more than 154 million) are overweight or obese — and this number continues to grow.
- Sedentary jobs have increased 83% since 1950.
- Americans work 164 more hours a year than 20 years ago.
- A healthy diet is also an important part of living a healthier, longer life.
Walking is an easy way to add physical activity to your life. Almost everyone can do it and it doesn’t require any expensive equipment. Walking has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity and is a simple, affordable step people can take to positively improve their heart health. Research shows that walking for just 30 minutes a day offers these benefits:
- Reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces high cholesterol
- Reduces body fat and helps control body weight
- Boosts mental well being
- Increases bone density, which helps to prevent osteoporosis
- Reduces the risk of diabetes
- Helps you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly
- Increases muscle strength, increasing the ability to do other physical activities
Find free healthy living resources for you and your family at heart.org/MyHeartMyLife
About Bayfront Health Port Charlotte
Bayfront Health Port Charlotte (formerly Peace River Regional Medical Center) is a 254-bed Joint Commission Accredited full service hospital that is more than a provider of medical excellence; it is where people come to be cared for and cared about. With expert physicians and staff in cardiovascular services, emergency care, and women’s services and through strategic partnerships with Shands/UF, All Children’s Specialists-Johns Hopkins Medicine, Florida Advanced Cardiothoracic (FACT) Surgery, and now Bayfront Health, we are united to bring state-of-the-art care to Florida's Gulf communities. To learn more, visit: www.BayfrontPortCharlotte.com.
About Bayfront Health Punta Gorda
Located in Punta Gorda, Bayfront Health Punta Gorda (formerly Charlotte Regional Medical Center) is a full-service hospital dedicated to abiding by the mission of: Caring professionals dedicated to serving our community. Founded in 1947, 208-bed Bayfront Health Punta Gorda is Joint Commission Accredited and an award-winning hospital, with stroke services, orthopedics and respiratory programs earning national distinction. At Bayfront Health, we are united to bring state-of-the-art care to Florida's Gulf communities. To learn more, visit: www.BayfrontPuntaGorda.com.
