April 18, 2019

BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is asking people to take a step toward better health by stepping out during its annual National Walk@Lunch Day on Thursday, April 25. As in past years, the event will be held at the State House in Columbia from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

“We know taking a walk is one of the simplest, safest and most effective forms of exercise,” said BlueCross chief medical officer Dr. Matt Bartels. “A 30-minute walk is perfect for people with busy lifestyles, and it can substantially reduce a person’s risk of developing heart disease, stroke and diabetes. We hope this event will encourage people to make daily walks a part of their routine. It’s easy and requires no special equipment other than comfortable shoes.”

According to Bartels, walking provides other health benefits, including increased energy and stamina and reduced back pain and arthritis. Bartels added that a person could lose about a pound of weight a week walking the recommended 10,000 steps per day. It takes a little more than 2,000 steps to walk a mile. Four laps around the State House is about a mile.

The event brings together more than a dozen health-related vendors and activities. Registered walkers may receive prizes. A YETI cooler and tumblers, as well as Apple AirPod earphones will be given away to randomly selected walkers. A limited number of free T-shirts are also available for participants. Water will be provided along the route.

This is the 13th year BlueCross has hosted events in South Carolina, and last year saw the largest turnout yet, with more than 3,000 participants.

About BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

Headquartered in Columbia and operating in South Carolina for 74 years, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. The only South Carolina-owned and operated health insurance carrier, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina comprises more than 20 companies involved in health insurance services, U.S. DoD health program and Medicare contracts, other insurance and employee benefits services, and a philanthropic foundation that funds programs to improve health care and access to health care for South Carolinians.