COLUMBIA, S.C. – BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is encouraging residents to take a break from work and walk at two events this month in observance of National Walk@Lunch Day.
Community walks are Thursday, April 26 at the State House in Columbia and Friday, April 27 at Falls Park in Greenville. The events run from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
“We often hear of people working through lunch, and we want to see more people walking through lunch,” said BlueCross Chief Medical Officer Dr. Matt Bartels. “A 30-minute walk at lunch is one of the simplest and easiest activities you can do to improve your overall health. Some people may think starting an exercise program is too difficult and they do not have the time. We are encouraging people to take the first step. Walking is accessible and can be life-changing.”
According to Bartels, in addition to stress reduction, the health benefits of walking include weight management, lower blood pressure and reduction of risk for heart attack or stroke.
A YETI® cooler and tumblers, as well as corn hole boards, will be given away to randomly selected registered walkers at each site. Both locations will also feature health-related vendors and activities.
This is the 11th year BlueCross has hosted events in South Carolina, and last year saw one of the largest turnouts yet, with more than 3,000 people taking steps to better health.
About BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina
Headquartered in Columbia, S.C., and operating in South Carolina for more than 70 years, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The only South Carolina-owned and operated health insurance carrier, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina comprises more than 20 companies involved in health insurance services, U.S. DoD health programs and Medicare contracts, other insurance and employee benefits services, and a philanthropic foundation that funds programs to improve health care and access to health care for South Carolinians.
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