Dear Editor:
Our country is facing an obesity epidemic. According to the American Heart Association, more than 140 million people are overweight or obese. Sedentary jobs have increased 83 percent since 1950.
Obesity rates have doubled in children and tripled in adolescents over the last 20 years. Obesity costs American business $225.8 billion in annual health-related productivity losses. And 70 percent of Americans don’t get enough physical activity.
Yesterday, the American Heart Association joined by award-winning actress Jane Seymour and in partnership with national sponsors Subway®, Health Choice® and AstraZeneca, launched a groundbreaking new campaign called Start! The bold vision of American Heart Association Start! is to get America walking again and address America’s obesity crisis. Start! is a national movement featuring a motivational and personalized physical activity and wellness plan that works for everyone. Its focus is simple: Walk more. Eat well. Live longer.
As an American Heart Association board member and former New Jersey business senior executive, I want to encourage colleagues in business, industry and other fields throughout New Jersey to contact the American Heart Association to learn more about the Start! Walking Program and the Start! Fit-Friendly Companies Recognition Program. By joining Start! a person is making a pledge to do something to increase their life expectancy.
Studies show that for every one hour of regular exercise, a person can gain two more hours of life. Studies supporting the launch of Start! also show that worksites with physical activity programs; reduce healthcare costs; reduce short-term sick leave and increase worksite productivity.
Join the American Heart Association Start! Movement to promote a culture of physical activity and wellness. We can decrease healthcare costs and improve the quality of life and longevity of Americans. Let’s Start! now. Learn more by calling the American Heart Association New Jersey State office at 609-208-0020 or visit online at americanheart.org/start.
Sincerely,
Gerald Schwab, Board member
American Heart Association