BISMARCK, N.D. — Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota (BCBSND) is inviting the Bismarck community to participate in the National Walk @ Lunch Day® activities on Wednesday, April 30 at the state capitol. Along with First Lady Betsy Dalrymple and Kathleen Wrigley, employees from BCBSND, Healthy North Dakota and North Dakota Public Employees Retirement System (NDPERS) will join in the walk.
The National Walk @ Lunch Day event is part of a nationwide initiative to encourage Americans to take time to walk during their lunch breaks to help improve their health. Since most people's schedules are built around their workdays, the walk is designed to fit into busy workers' daily schedules.
The local National Walk @ Lunch Day event will take place on Wednesday, April 30 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the state capitol in Bismarck. North Dakota First Lady Betsy Dalrymple and Kathleen Wrigley will lead the ceremonial first lap around the capitol to kick off the walk and will also be available for media interviews.
"Walking for half an hour during your lunch break is an easy way to fit some exercise into your busy life," said Paul von Ebers, president and CEO of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota. "The health and medical benefits of walking include helping to manage your weight, controlling blood pressure, decreasing the risk of heart attack and lowering stress and your risk of stroke."
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates the annual cost to treat illness and chronic disease caused by inactive lifestyles is nearly $1,000 for each family in America. Getting 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, such as a brisk walk, at least five times a week has significant health benefits, lowering the risk of developing or dying from cardiovascular disease, hypertension or type 2 diabetes and improving the health of muscles, bones and joints.
About Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota
BCBSND is a member-owned, not-for-profit independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. As North Dakota's largest provider of health care coverage, BCBSND is taking BOLD steps to collaborate with doctors, hospitals, clinics and members to ensure affordable access to quality health care in the state. To learn more about BCBSND, visit www.BCBSND.com.
