Activity

Don’t forget Marylander’s and surrounding communities to join for for Walk Maryland Day.

Marylanders Are Challenged To Participate In Walk Maryland Day
Celebrating Our State’s Official Exercise, While Promoting Improved Health

BALTIMORE, MD (Oct. 3, 2018) – Governor Larry Hogan proclaimed Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2018 the fourth annual Walk Maryland Day, a celebration of walking — the state’s official exercise — with a call to action to promote awareness about the health benefits of walking for physical activity and improved health. Again, this year, all 24 Maryland jurisdictions are encouraged to participate by planning at least one walk; engaging the community and spreading awareness, promotion, and outreach while celebrating this special Walk Maryland Day event.

“Walking is a convenient, accessible, and easy way to be physically active. Walk Maryland Day is a call to action to promote walking and to engage in Maryland’s official state exercise,” says Donna Gugel, Director of Prevention and Health Promotion Administration for the Maryland Department of Health.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that just one in five U.S. adults meet minimum national guidelines for physical activity. Walking is an easy, accessible, and inexpensive way to fit in physical activity, which can help with weight management, mental wellbeing, diabetes prevention, and more. Physical activity guidelines recommend that adults should engage in 150 minutes a week of moderate to intense aerobic physical activity — such as brisk walking — and children and adolescents should engage in 60 minutes or more each day.

Walk Maryland Day is a collaborative effort between the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), Maryland Department of Aging, Maryland Department of Transportation, and the University of Maryland Extension. Walk Maryland Day coincides with National Walk to School Day, also held on Wednesday, Oct. 10, for elementary and middle school children. Parents and teachers can get more information about National Walk to School Day at walkbiketoschool.org.

For more information about Walk Maryland Day, or to register, visit WalkMD.