National Run@Work Day!

SAVE THE DATE: SEPTEMBER 16, 2011

On September 16, 2011, the Road Runners Club of America will promote the 6th Annual RUN@WORK Day nationwide. Company-based wellness programs, human resources departments, running clubs, running events, running shoe stores, and individuals nationwide are encouraged to plan fun runs and walks around the country with their employers.

The goal of RUN@WORK Day, presented by the Road Runners Club of America, is to encourage adults to get 30-minutes of exercise each day, in accordance with the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, either before work, during lunch, or immediately following work.

RUN@WORK Day also encourages companies to help employees schedule time for physical activity. Incorporating exercise into one’s daily routine can markedly improve one’s overall physical health.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) estimates that 64% of US adults are either overweight (33%) or obese (31%), meaning they have an excess weight of 30 lbs or more. The causes of overweight and obesity can be complex. However simply put, overweight and obesity results from an energy

imbalance. Eating more calories and not getting enough exercise or physical activity results in the engery imbalance that causes obesity. The rise of overweight and obesity and the resulting health conditions has a dramatic effect on health insurance costs around the US. It is estimated that overweight and obesity health related medical costs have reached an all time high of $75.8 billion per year (www.cdc.gov).

So, check in with your work's human resources department and/or wellness coordinator and see if they'll support you in spreading the word about National Run@Work Day. No wellness coordinator at your place of work? Then talk it up with your fellow colleagues and gather a group together. Who knows....it may turn into a weekly or daily gathering. What a great thing that would be!

Share information about RUN@WORK Day events you are planning in your community by posting information on the  RUN@WORK Day Facebook page..