National Walk @ Lunch DaySM Thousands of Philadelphians turn a working lunch into a walking lunch

In honor of the fifth annual National Walk @ Lunch Day, on Wednesday, April 25, Independence Blue Cross (IBC) hosted nearly 13,500 customers, community members, Philadelphia city employees, and local workforce members in Rittenhouse Square and throughout the region.

Sponsored by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, this national initiative demonstrates how easy it can be to fit regular exercise into even the busiest of schedules.

Regular walking is a great step towards better health

When done briskly and on a regular basis, walking¹ can:

  • decrease the risk of heart attack and type 2 diabetes;
  • control weight;
  • improve muscle tone;
  • reduce stress.

Do you need help getting started? You can find fitness tips and information¹ at our new walking-inspired website: www.ibx.com/getwalking.

Congratulations to this year’s participants

More than 100 businesses, schools, and non-profits joined us for National Walk @ Lunch Day this year. Among the organizations that took part were:

  • Aqua America
  • Catholic Health East
  • Comcast
  • County of Bucks
  • Delaware County Intermediate Unit
  • Fujirebio Diagnostics, Inc.
  • Lincoln Fianancial Group
  • Montgomery County Intermediate Unit
  • Philadelphia Gas Works
  • Ridley School District
  • School District of Philadelphia
  • SEPTA
  • Superior Tube Company
  • Temple University
  • Villanova

Want to learn more about Worksite Wellness?

National Walk @ Lunch Day takes place each April on the last Wednesday of the month, but the spirit of the event can be carried throughout the year. You can engage employees in healthier behavior and demonstrate a commitment to wellness. Learn how to implement an IBC worksite wellness program, and view a variety of other employer toolkits that can help you deliver programs such as Stress Awareness and the Maintain, Don’t Gain Health Improvement Challenge.

¹Consult your doctor before participating in physical activity that is new or strenuous for you. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises, “activity that requires moderate effort is safe for most people. But if you have a chronic health condition such as heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, or other symptoms be sure to talk with your doctor about the types and amounts of physical activity that are right for you.”