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Home News Walking Challenge Promotes Healthy Living
David Morgan
575-528-5197 Office
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Walking Challenge Promotes Healthy Living

January 17, 2018 - Communications - Healthy Living

The goal of this 30-day challenge is to encourage state employees to walk and be healthy during the 2018 legislative session. The challenge will begin on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 and end on Thursday, February 15, 2018.As the New Mexico Legislature prepares for the start of the 2018 Legislative Session, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) has organized a “Session Stroll” walking challenge encouraging its employees to be active throughout the 30-day legislative session.  NMDOH extends the invitation to legislators, legislative staff, and other state agencies to participate.

Challenge participants are encouraged to log their walking activity from the opening day of the legislative session on January 16th through the end of the session on February 15th. At the close of the 30 days, individual and group/team participants will report all miles walked during the session to NMDOH. Participants are also urged to take pictures and share their walking journeys using #NMDOHSessionStroll so that a collage can be put together at the end of the challenge.

“Participating in legislative bill analysis, committee hearings, and other lawmaking activities can often mean a lot of sitting,” said Lynn Gallagher, Department of Health Cabinet Secretary. “This is an exciting way for everyone to stay motivated to stay active throughout the session and take advantage of simple opportunities to move more.”

Walking can help keep you fit and reduce your risk of serious diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes and more. NMDOH reports that heart disease is the leading cause of death in New Mexico and accounts for over 20% of all deaths. Stroke is the fifth leading cause of death in New Mexico.

The American Heart Association recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity each week.

To get started all you need are comfortable clothes and supportive shoes. If you are walking outside, make sure and layer loose clothing, keeping in mind that brisk walking may elevate your body’s temperature. More walking tips are available at the American Heart Association website.

Registration for the walking challenge is available for individuals or groups on the Session Stroll Challenge 2018 website.

Media Contact

We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact David Morgan at 575-528-5197 (Office) or 575-649-0754 (Mobile) with your questions.

Versión en Español

En un esfuerzo para hacer que nuestros comunicados de prensa sean más accesibles, también tenemos disponibles una versión en español. Por favor presione el enlace de abajo para acceder a la traducción.

Walking Challenge Promueve Una Vida Saludable