WHEREAS, each year 1.2 million Americans suffer a new or recurring coronary attack, and cardiovascular disease is the nation’s leading cause of death with direct and indirect costs estimated at $431.8 billion in 2007; and

        WHEREAS, more physical activity can help improve these statistics; and

        WHEREAS, adults may gain up to two hours of life expectancy for every one hour of vigorous exercise; and

        WHEREAS, in addition to increased life expectancy, regular walking has many proven benefits for an individual’s overall health. Brisk walking for 30 minutes a day can lower both bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and high blood pressure. It also can help individuals who are overweight achieve and maintain weight loss, and reduce their risk of stroke; and

        WHEREAS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that physically active people save $330 per year in direct medical expenditures; and

        WHEREAS, studies indicate that one of the best investments a company can make is in the health of its employees. By promoting a culture of physical activity, corporate America can decrease healthcare costs, increase productivity and improve the quality of life and longevity of the U.S. workforce; and

        WHEREAS, on Start! Walking At Work Day, April 25th, the American Heart Association’s Start! movement calls on all employees to wear sneakers to work and Start! Walking At Work; and

        WHEREAS, the purpose behind Start! Walking At Work Day is to get Americans to become more physically active by walking;

        NOW, THEREFORE, I Governor C.L. “BUTCH” OTTER, in recognition of the importance of regular physical activity, do hereby proclaim April 25, 2007 as

START!  WALKING  AT  WORK  DAY

in Idaho and urge all citizens to show their support for walking and the fight against heart disease and commemorate this day by walking at work. By increasing awareness of the importance of physical activity to reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease, we can save thousands of lives each year.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho at the Capitol in Boise on this 3^rd day of April in the year of our Lord two-thousand and seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred thirty-first and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred seventeenth.

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE