WEST PALM BEACH — Less than half of adults and less than one-in-five children in the U.S. get the recommended amount of physical activity needed for heart health, according to the American Heart Association’s 2025 Heart & Stroke Statistical Update. That’s why the Association invites communities nationwide to walk together on Wednesday, April 2 for National Walking Day, and raise awareness of the powerful benefits of regular movement.

“The American Heart Association is committed to building a healthier future for everyone, one step at a time,” said Stacey Comerford, executive director of the American Heart Association Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast. “National Walking Day is the ultimate celebration of how small steps can lead to big health changes.”

National recommendations supported by the American Heart Association call for children to get at least an hour of physical activity each day. The latest statistics show that fewer than 19 percent of children in the U.S. achieve that. It’s also estimated that less than half of U.S. adults get the recommended 150 minutes or more of weekly physical activity.

Walking is one 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:

• A study recently published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found engaging in at least 75 minutes per week of moderate-intensity exercise, including brisk walking, lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease by 17%.

• Research recently published in the journal JAMA Open Network found adults who walked at least 5,000 steps a day had fewer symptoms of depression than those who did not.

“Walking is a great way to live longer and live healthier. It improves your mood, reduces stress and lowers the risk of diseases while enhancing your overall well-being,” said John Domenico, board chair of the American Heart Association Palm Beach County and Treasure Coast. “Best of all, it’s inexpensive and easy to do wherever you are, and at any time of day.”

To participate in National Walking Day, consider these tips:

• Invite friends, family or colleagues to join you for a walk.
• Take a conference call on the move if you work remotely.

• April showers? No problem, take a walk at the local mall.
• Bring your pet along - it’s great for both of you!

In Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast, the American Heart Association has invited companies to host their own team walks on April 2 as a physical activity break during the workday. Participants are encouraged to share their walking photos with #NationalWalkingDay on social media.

For information about getting active and staying healthy, visit the American Heart Association’s Healthy for Good™ initiative at heart.org/movemore.