U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery's (BUMED) health promotion and wellness committee held its inaugural fitness walk called "Walk it Out", May 28.

BUMED hosted the event to raise awareness and promote physical fitness as part of Nation Physical Fitness Month during May.

"We want to raise awareness to health risks associated with prolonged sitting and ways to decrease those risks by endorsing walk break, the benefits of walking, and Defense Health Headquarters (DHHQ) indoor walking trails," said Chief Hospital Corpsman Jennifer Kleve, Health Promotion and Wellness Committee assistant program director. "DHHQ has done a great job plotting and designating areas within the building to walk."

The event kicked off in DHHQ's fitness center with committee members welcoming about 30 active duty and civilian participants. After introductions the committee discussed the risks of prolonged sitting and a sedentary lifestyle and shared ways to minimize those risks.

DHHQ's walking team spoke about their experiences, how they include walking in their daily routine, and how people can join or start their own walking groups. After a safety brief and description of the trail that was marked with signs and balloons participants went walking.

"The committee chose to start with a half-mile beginner's route. This way the participants can decide if this is something they can incorporate into their daily work schedule. The route can be done in about 15 minutes or less depending on walking speed, which is equivalent to a break time," said Lt. Jacqueline Evans, Health Promotion and Wellness Committee program director. "We hope to do a follow-up "Walk it Out", possibly in August for preventative health month. We will then do the advanced route."

According to Kleve, it's easier to live a healthy lifestyle and keep moving with friends to help keep you motivated along the way. She said recent studies suggest that prolonged periods of sitting can lead to a higher risk of disease and sudden death.

"Our 'cubicle city' environment and living in the D.C. metro area can lead to an increase risk of a sedentary lifestyle. The hours we sit while completing our day-to-day tasks at the computer, long meetings, and long commutes to and from work add up. I encourage everybody to take walking breaks every hour to help minimize these risks," Kleve said.

BUMED's Health Promotion and Wellness Committee's goal is to promote healthy behaviors and personal well-being within the command. It includes quality of life and ongoing readiness while interjecting a little fun. The committee strives to create an environment for behavior change and spread awareness on different topics. They also team up with the DHHQ Wellness Council and participate in DHHQ health promotion events such as the upcoming "Fitness Fiesta".

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