Step It Up! The Surgeon General’s Call to Action

Only half of American adults get enough physical activity to reduce the risk of chronic disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. Walking is an easy way to start and maintain a physically active lifestyle. That is why US Surgeon General VADM Vivek H. Murthy, M.D., M.B.A. aims to increase walking across the nation by calling for access to safe and convenient places to walk and wheelchair roll.   This declaration addresses a number of major health issues facing our country today. Imagine the dramatic impact ACSM members can have if we come together to promote walking and physical activity within our communities. ACSM has been involved with this initiative even before it started, in making the initial suggestion that the Office of the Surgeon General consider a call to action that addresses physical activity. In anticipation of this historical event, we challenge you to use this call to action as an opportunity for advancing physical activity - specifically walking. Some things you may consider: View the upcoming webcast on September 9, 2015. Immediately after the webcast consider doing as colleagues will at the launch event itself and go for a walk to discuss how to implement the call to action in your organization or neighborhood. Become familiar with and use tools and resources that ACSM will send you after the launch Organize a walk in your community Encourage members of your organizations and communities to walk Distribute and promote materials about the benefits of walking LIVE WEBCAST The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is hosting a live webcast for the launch of this important Call To Action that will offer strategies for increasing walking and walkable communities for people of all ages and abilities. Wednesday, September 9, 2015 10:00 AM ET http://go.usa.gov/3FF33   If you are unable to participate or if you experience any technical difficulties while trying to sign on to the webcast, a recording of the event will be available on the Office of the Surgeon General’s website after the release: www.surgeongeneral.gov Please share this invitation with others who may be interested in learning what they can do to promote walking and walkable communities for all.