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Mayor Lee Leffingwell of Austin, Texas organized and participated in a 1.5 mile walk/run to encourage a healthy work environment among city employees. The walk which took place Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at noon was not just for city employees, but was also open to the public.
According to a press release from the city of Austin’s website, mayor Leffingwell said: “We are constantly striving to achieve healthy workplaces throughout our community.”
He also recognized that leading a healthy and active lifestyle could help offset some of the community’s overall health care costs.
In 2013, the city of Austin was recognized as the “Healthiest Employer of Central Texas,” largely in part due to its HealthyConnections program that offers employees weekly fitness activities. The year before, at least half of the city’s 6,450 employees participated in the HealthyConnections worksite wellness program.
According to the American College of Sport Medicine (ACSM), in 2013 Austin was also the 11th fittest city in the nation.
As Austin demonstrates, worksite wellness programs, initiatives aimed at increasing program participation, and strong support from leadership can really boost a city’s fitness levels and improve health.
So why not encourage your community to create their own fitness initiative?
Read the full press release about Austin’s 1.5 Walk/Resolution here.
By The Numbers
33
percent
of Latinos live within walking distance (<1 mile) of a park
