Western Baptist Hospital’s new employee walking program has motivated Sherry Jones, office manager of the Education department, to reach her fitness goals. “I’ve lost more than 50 pounds, and I feel great,” said Jones.

Jones and other Western Baptist staff invite the community on Wednesday, April 16, to join in a celebration of the American Heart Association’s national Start! Walking Day.

Western Baptist will host a kickoff ceremony at 11:30 a.m. in the Baptist Heart Center Auditorium. The community is invited to walk the hospital’s one-mile outdoor walk path on their lunch break, any time from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Jones looks forward to the celebration. She started walking two miles daily on the treadmill more than two years ago and has steadily increased her pace. She now walks five miles before work and an additional two miles on her lunch break.

Jones isn’t alone. Since partnering with the American Heart Association to bring Start!, a workplace walking program to the area, more than 350 Western Baptist staff, as well as employees from more than 70 area businesses, have stepped forward for better health.

Walking is a simple exercise nearly everyone can do to improve heart health. It has the lowest drop-out rate of any physical activity, and it’s the simplest positive change individuals can make to improve heart health.

Walking and moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week can help:

* Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease

* Improve blood pressure, blood sugar and blood lipid levels

* Maintain body weight

* Enhance mental well-being

* Reduce the risk of osteoporosis

* Reduce the risk of many cancers, including breast, colon, thyroid and prostate

* Reduce the risk of non-insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes

In fact, the American Heart Association says for every hour of regular, vigorous activity you do, you can live two hours longer.

“My life revolves around walking now,” said Jones. “I love it!”

She’s gone from a size 14 to a size 4, and coworkers have noticed her dramatic transformation.

“I receive comments everyday on how great I look,” said Jones. “That definitely keeps me motivated!”

To learn more about bringing Start! to your workplace, phone (270) 575-2777 or e-mail marra.mcmillan@bhsi.com.