Walkable Communities in Michigan Also Leads to Healthier Future

By BCBS

Blues employees out walking during our National Walk @ Lunch Day. Photo courtesy of Blue Cross Blue Shield.

In some cases, walking is the best way to get from point A to point B. Whether you’re walking to the mailbox or walking into a store, the act of putting one foot in front of the other is getting people where they need to be.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network understand the importance of walking, especially when it comes to health. For most people, walking is a simple activity that keeps the heart healthy, increases energy levels and burns calories.
Here are some easy ways to incorporate walking into your daily routine:

Take the stairs as often as possible
Walk the last few blocks instead of
riding the bus all the way to work
Park at the opposite end of the mall from where you need to shop
Walk to do shopping or other errands

One Michigan woman, Jodi Davis, lost 162 pounds by walking 1.5 miles per day and eating right. Jodi blogs daily on AHealthierMichigan.org and she has helped encourage a fellow Michigander, Jon Stanton, during his 230 pound weight loss. “I was on a path to death,” Stanton admitted. That was true until he started walking and caring about his health.
AHealthierMichigan.org is an online community where people can join the conversation about how to lead Michigan to a healthier future. The site is divided into four areas of focus:

A Healthier You, which
concentrates on personal health
A Healthier Business, which zeroes
in on our state’s economic vitality
A Healthier Community, which highlights community events and stories
A Healthier Healthcare System, which addresses how Michigan’s health care system can and is becoming stronger

This interactive site features videos, blogs, event calendars, discussion forums, news and much more. Share your insights, contribute content and catch up on the positive things going on in our great state.