These days, adults are spending more time at work than ever before. An unfortunate side effect is that, as a nation, we are becoming more inactive. This is a problem when you consider the fact that physical inactivity doubles the risk of heart disease.

But take heart! It’s a problem many people started to fix by taking part in National Start! Walking Day on April 7, 2010. This is a day set aside to get people encouraged to put on their sneakers and get up and walk. It’s a great way to begin walking toward a healthier life!

The Bellevue Hospital (TBH) and the Bellevue Recreation Department joined Huron County Health Partners – Fisher-Titus Medical Center, the Huron County Health Department, and Mercy Hospital of Willard, and launched the American Heart Association designated Start! Walking Path at TBH.

On April 7 (National Start! Walking Day), TBH employees walked from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. in celebration of TBH’s Walking & Wellness Trail being designated an American Heart Association Start! Walking Path. Community residents were also invited to come out and walk on April 7 on the inaugural National Start! Walking Day.

Several other trails and paths in and around Bellevue will be designated American Heart Association Start! Walking Paths in the days to come, including Robert Peters Park, BAF Stadium, Aigler Recreation Complex, Bellevue Community Center, Bellevue Activity Center, Bellevue Reservoir #4, and the Northcoast Inland Trail.

Christine Cook, Regional Manager, Northwest Ohio Division of the American Heart Association (left), sets up banners and signs proclaiming The Bellevue Hospital’s Walking & Wellness Trail an official American Heart Association certified Start! Walking Path, while Mindy Singleton and her children Tristan (8), Hailey (3), and Hunter (10) take a stroll down the path during National Start! Walking Day on Wednesday. Communities all across the United States had coordinated walks and dedications on Wednesday.

Christa Pelyhes and Christine McGinn, employees in The Bellevue Hospital’s Environmental Services Department, take a lap around the hospital’s Wellness & Walking Path during National Start! Walking Day on Wednesday.