The walk was done to promote World Heart Day
More than a million people from over 150 countries, achieved an ambitious goal to walk five million miles (eight million kilometres) together, as a part of the Ground Miles Challenge – making it the largest global walking challenge of its kind.
World Heart Federation and Bupa set the goal as part of World Heart Day, to encourage people to walk to reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke.
Cardiovascular disease (which includes heart disease and stroke) is the number one cause of death worldwide, accounting for over 17 million deaths every year. According to the World Health Organisation, 80% of all heart disease and stroke would be prevented if the main risk factors were eliminated. There are a number of ways that people can reduce their risk, including doing more physical activity such as walking.
As a part of the challenge, more than 50,000 people downloaded a free, motivational walking app called Ground Miles to record their walking and help spur them on to walk more. Initial feedback and results from the app are positive, with almost two thirds of Ground Miles app users achieving their recommended level of physical activity, in a week, through walking.
To celebrate achieving the five million mile challenge target, Bupa provided funding to the World Heart Federation which will be used to support programmes in Africa and South Asia, which protect children from the symptoms of Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD).
Stuart Fletcher, CEO, Bupa, said: “I’m so thrilled that, together with the World Heart Federation, we have encouraged and mobilised more than a million people, from all over the world, not only to reach the enormous five million mile walking target, but also to incorporate more walking into their everyday lives.
“Bupa’s purpose is to help people live happier, longer lives; and so we look forward to continuing our partnership with the World Heart Federation and working together in 2014 to help millions more people from around the world improve their heart health.”
Johanna Ralston, CEO, World Heart Federation, said: “World Heart Federation is immensely proud that through World Heart Day events, together with our members, partners and Bupa, we mobilised more than a million people, in over 150 countries to go out and get walking. This achievement is testament to World Heart Federation and Bupa’s shared, global commitment to help people make positive behaviour changes, like walking more, to help lower their risk of Cardiovascular Disease.”
Tagged in Health Heart Health