TITLE: Recognizing April 3, 2013, as National Walking Day.

SUMMARY: Recognizing April 3, 2013, as National Walking Day.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The American Heart Association is sponsoring National Walking Day on April 3, 2013, to raise awareness of physical activity as a key contributor to good health; and WHEREAS, Cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease and stroke, are the nation's leading cause of death and a leading cause of disability; each year, 915,000 Americans suffer a heart attack and 795,000 experience a stroke; the direct and indirect costs of cardiovascular diseases, including lost productivity, were estimated at over $444 billion in 2010; and WHEREAS, Regular physical activity can reduce cardiovascular disease risk and may increase life expectancy; the American Heart Association recommends that children and adolescents participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous exercise each day and that adults take part weekly in at least 150 minutes of moderately intense physical activity, 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both; and WHEREAS, Regular walking yields many proven benefits for overall health; brisk walking for at least 30 minutes a day can help lower blood pressure, increase HDL "good" cholesterol in the blood, manage weight, and control blood sugar through improved use of insulin in the body; together, all of these changes help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke; and WHEREAS, If 10 percent of Americans began a regular walking program, the nation could save $5.6 billion in heart disease costs, and studies indicate that one of the best investments a company can make is in the health of its employees; by promoting a culture of physical activity, corporate America can decrease health care costs, increase productivity, and improve the quality of life and longevity of the U.S. workforce; and WHEREAS, National Walking Day provides an ideal opportunity for Texans to enjoy a simple, easy activity that can have an enormous positive impact on their health and well-being; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby recognize April 3, 2013, as National Walking Day and encourage all Texans to engage in regular physical activity. Lucio III Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1239 was adopted by the House on April 3, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House