More than 2,000 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network employees across the state will be lacing up their sneakers and walking outside on their lunch break to celebrate the eighth annual National Walk@Lunch Day. According to America’s Health Rankings, nearly 1.9 million adults in Michigan are physically inactive and almost 2.5 million are obese. Physical inactivity is estimated to cost the U.S. $75 billion annually, roughly $240 per person. Walking is one of the simplest and most effective forms of exercise. A brisk, 30-minute walk five times a week can:
- Decrease the risk of a heart attack and type 2 diabetes
- Control weight gain and improve muscle tone
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Lower blood pressure
National Walk@Lunch Day was created by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association to encourage people of all ages and lifestyles to make walking a healthy habit for life. If you want to join Blue Cross employees on your lunch break, feel free to meet up at the following Blue Cross Blue Shield offices on May 2:
- 232 S. Capitol Ave, Lansing – starting at 11 a.m.
- 415 S. McLellan Ave, Marquette – starting at 11 a.m.
- 1340 Atwater St., Detroit – starting at 11:30 a.m.
- 88-89 Monroe Center NW, Grand Rapids – starting at 11:30 a.m.
- 202 East State, Traverse City – starting at 11:30 a.m.
The event is part of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association’s WalkingWorks program, which was developed to help Americans live healthier lives and reduce unnecessary medical costs due to physical inactivity.
