American Heart Association and UnitedHealthcare Designate Milwaukee County Research Park as the Area's First Site for a Start! Walking Path

MILWAUKEE, April 5 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Heart Association, in partnership with UnitedHealthcare of Wisconsin, will designate Milwaukee County Research Park as the location of Milwaukee's first Start! Walking Path on Wednesday, April 7, at 11:30 a.m. in celebration of National Start! Walking Day - the American Heart Association's reminder to get Americans up and moving.

The event will include a presentation right outside UnitedHealthcare of Wisconsin's Wauwatosa offices, 10701 W. Research Drive. A walking event will follow, featuring more than 100 UnitedHealthcare employees winding their way through the Research Park's walkways that feature wooded areas, ponds and access to Wisconsin Avenue Park.

"UnitedHealthcare is leading the way in prioritizing the health of their employees so we find it fitting to have its team unveil Milwaukee's first-ever Start! Walking Path, which will help promote physical activity in our community," said Sara Alger, Executive Director, American Heart Association.

The American Heart Association will also be presenting UnitedHealthcare of Wisconsin with the Association's Gold Start! Fit Friendly Award which recognizes employers who champion the health and wellness of their employees by creating and encouraging a culture of physical activity in the workplace.

Employees at UnitedHealthcare's Wauwatosa office are currently participating in a "Biggest Loser" contest and also regularly take part in walking groups, fitness classes and Weight Watcher classes. The offices also feature vending machines with healthy eating options.

"UnitedHealthcare is honored to be a part of such an energizing and much-needed initiative like Start!," said Wendy Arnone, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of Wisconsin. "It's exciting to see our organizations work together to make positive strides to improve the health of our employees and the communities they live in."

More than 100 UnitedHealthcare employees will take part in the walk around Milwaukee County Research Park. Healthy snacks and free passes to the Wisconsin Athletic Club (while supplies last) will also be available.

In January 2010, the American Heart Association defined the seven key factors to ideal cardiovascular health. Physical activity is one of those factors, but only 15 percent of American adults achieve the association's recommended levels of moderate aerobic exercise (150 or more minutes per week). The Start! initiative encourages all Americans to get started on a regular walking program as a way to achieve their physical activity goals and to reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease by as much as 30 percent.

The Start! Walking path will offer a great opportunity for Milwaukee residents to use when it's time for a walk. For a list of paths nationwide or to map a custom walking route in your neighborhood, visit www.startwalkingnow.org.

Start! is sponsored nationally by SUBWAY® Restaurants and locally by UnitedHealthcare of Wisconsin. For more information, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or 260.437.9034 or visit mystartonline.org.

About the American Heart Association: Founded in 1924, we're the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to building healthier lives, free of heart disease and stroke.  To help prevent, treat and defeat these diseases — America's No. 1 and No. 3 killers — we fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health.  To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit americanheart.org.

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SOURCE The American Heart Association