\n The American Heart Association\u202finvites\u202fKern County\u202fto find movement that fits real life on National Walking Day, Wednesday, April 1\u202f\n <\/p>\n
Bakersfield, Calif.,\u00a0March\u00a026,\u00a02026\u2014As people across the nation navigate higher levels of stress and spend more of their day sitting, finding time to move can feel challenging. Less than half of adults and fewer than one in five children in the U.S. get the recommended amount of physical activity needed for heart health, according to\u00a0the\u00a0American Heart Association\u2019s 2025 Heart & Stroke Statistical Update<\/a>.\u00a0That\u2019s\u00a0why the Association\u00a0invites communities nationwide to gather on Wednesday, April 1 for\u00a0National Walking Day.\u00a0<\/p>\n Walking<\/a>\u00a0is\u00a0one of the easiest and most accessible ways to stay active. Research shows it not only lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease but also supports mental well-being:\u00a0<\/p>\n To\u00a0participate\u00a0in National Walking Day, consider these\u00a0ideas:\u00a0<\/p>\n
Tips for being active in warm weather:<\/p>\n
It\u2019s\u00a0also important to check in with your health care professional before starting an exercise routine.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n For information about getting active and staying healthy, visit the American Heart Association\u2019s Healthy for Good\u2122 initiative at\u00a0heart.org\/movemore<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Additional Resources:<\/p>\n ###<\/p>\n About the American Heart Association<\/p>\n The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public\u2019s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org<\/a>, Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a> or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1. In the Kern County find the American Heart Association at\u00a0heart.org\/SouthernCalifornia<\/a>\u00a0or on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0X<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n For Media Inquiries: <\/p>\n Amber Moak,\u202famber.moak@heart.org<\/a>\u202f\u202f\u202f\u202f\u202f\u00a0<\/p>\n For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)<\/p>\n
\n\tInvite friends,\u00a0family\u00a0or colleagues to join you for a walk, in person or virtually.\u00a0
\n\tTake a\u00a0phone\u00a0call on the move\u00a0or add a few minutes of movement between meetings.\u00a0
\n\tHot outside? No problem. Walk indoors at a mall or other covered space.\u00a0
\n\tBring your pet, a\u00a0stroller\u00a0or just yourself.\u00a0Any movement counts.\u00a0
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\n\tTiming is key\u00a0\u2013 Try to avoid exercising outside in the early afternoon.\u00a0It\u2019s\u00a0usually hottest between noon and 3:00 p.m.
\n\tHydrate\u00a0\u2013 Drink water before, during and after physical activity, even if you\u00a0don\u2019t\u00a0feel thirsty. Bring a bottle of water with you, or plan water stops along your route.\u00a0
\n\tDress for success\u00a0\u2013 Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes. Moisture-wicking fabric\u00a0also can\u00a0be\u00a0a big help. Protect yourself from the sun with sunglasses, a hat or\u00a0visor\u00a0and plenty of sweat-resistant sunscreen.\u00a0
\n\tListen to your body\u00a0\u2013 Take frequent breaks in the shade, and drink water before\u00a0you\u2019re\u00a0thirsty. Allow yourself time to adapt to the heat.\u00a0Keep in mind that you may not be able to work out as long or as hard as usual when it’s very hot.\u00a0
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