Day of events set to kick off Start! walking program
Wednesday, April 7, is the American Heart Association's (AHA) National Start! Walking Day, and Vanderbilt faculty and staff are encouraged to wear their sneakers to work and join Vanderbilt's largest walking event.
Faculty and staff can convene at noon at the Medical Center North shuttle drop off, or join in the walk from any point along the route between Medical Center North and Alumni Lawn. Walkers will finish at Alumni Lawn at approximately 12:20 p.m.
Following the walk, Jerry Fife, vice chancellor for Administration, will lead a brief celebration of the program’s success and Vanderbilt's commitment to a culture of wellness.
Additionally, prizes will be available for all employees who have successfully completed the walk.
The event is part of the AHA's Start! program, which is designed to get employees moving more while at work to become active and heart healthy. Start! Walking Day also kicks off the eight-week Health Plus Walking Wednesdays program.
Mary Yarbrough, M.D., associate professor of Medicine and director of Health and Wellness, said the program has succeeded because, “it's a fun and easy way to get exercise. Also, it is one thing we can all do together to support our community in trying to achieve a healthy lifestyle and balance. It's always easier to do something when others do it with you.”
To register, visit the Health Plus Web site at http://healthplus.vanderbilt.edu and click on the green Start! button.
By registering, employees can also qualify for prizes for each of four challenges during the year, and may qualify to be entered in a drawing for larger prizes.
Participants will be recognized at the AHA's annual Heart Walk, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 2.
For more information, visit the Health Plus Web site or call 343-8943.