Tuesday, May 16, 2005
Contact: Jessica Robinson, (573)751-0290
Governor Encourages Participation in National Employee Health and Fitness Day
JEFFERSON CITY—Gov. Matt Blunt today announced that Missouri will participate in National Employee Health and Fitness Day on Wednesday, May 18.
In recognition of Physical Fitness and Sports Month, the National Association for Health and Fitness is sponsoring National Employee Health and Fitness Day across the country. The Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness is asking Missouri state employees and others to participate in one-mile fitness walks throughout Jefferson City beginning at 11:30 a.m. Employees are encouraged to walk the Jefferson City Downtown Fitness Area, Natural Resources- Mental Health walking trail or Edgewood Greenway. Participants walking between 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. will be eligible for prizes including a multispeed bike.
In addition, fitness assessments will take place on the Capitol lawn after the one-mile walk. There will be aerobic classes, tai chi and yoga instruction. Information regarding starting and maintaining a personal fitness program will also be available.
"We all need to take an active roll in our personal well being. Moderate physical activity can go a long way to preventing and reducing health conditions like heart diseases, diabetes, and obesity," said Blunt.
Statistics from the President’s Council on Physical Fitness shows that 61 percent of Americans are overweight or obese. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services lists twenty-three health conditions directly related to obesity including cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes.
"You don’t have to train for a marathon or go to the gym every day. Walking over your lunch hour is a wonderful way to get exercise because even short amounts of physical activity can improve your health," said Gayla Vandelicht, executive director of the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness.
For more information, contact Gayla Vandelicht at 573-751-0915.