“I was checked by my PCP this week,” says Darrell Wojcik, senior data analyst, Colorado Region. “I no longer need blood pressure medicine. I have improved joint health in my knees and ankles, so I no longer need pain medicine. I have dropped 10 pounds and my energy and stamina have improved. All of this is possible through KP Walk! and sheer determination!”

Lifestyle habits — such as walking — can affect your genes. New research has found that walking reduces the genetic influence on obesity. Here’s how to make the most of what you have:

• Strive to keep walking 30 minutes a day, five days a week. This is associated with increased strength, stamina, and feelings of well-being as well as reduced risk of chronic disease.

• Move more and sit less. Take the stairs. Walk at lunch. Dance during commercials. It all adds up. You can also add physical activity (and fun!) to your workday by taking an Instant Recess® with your team. Instant Recess includes short, 5-to-10 minute breaks for physical activity that can be done anywhere, by anyone, in any attire. Routines can be adapted to include people with limited mobility. At KP, Instant Recess has been done in labs, call centers, even patient floors.

Genes are not necessarily your destiny. You can have a positive impact on your overall health through an active lifestyle.

CEO George C. Halvorson discusses the gift of walking in this video. Share it with your colleagues, friends, family, and neighbors.

http://everybodywalk.org/films-a-info/experts.html

https://ideabook.kp.org/videos/11490