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As Elon Musk looks on, Trump says he's giving DOGE even more power; Officials monitor latest AR bird flu outbreak; NV lawmaker proposes new date for Indigenous Peoples Day; NM lawmaker says journalists of all stripes need protection; Closure of EPA branch would harm VA environment.

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A court weighs the right of New York City noncitizens to vote in local elections, Vice President Vance suggests courts can't overrule a president, and states increasingly challenge the validity of student IDs at the ballot box.

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Medical debt, which tops $90 billion has an outsized impact on rural communities, a new photography book shares the story of 5,000 schools built for Black students between 1912 and 1937, and anti-hunger advocates champion SNAP.

Go for a walk and kick workplace sluggishness aside

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Tuesday, April 2, 2024   

Tomorrow is National Walking Day in the U.S., and in states like South Dakota, health experts and business leaders are trying to convince more people to get their feet moving.

The American Heart Association says nearly a quarter of U.S. adults are sedentary for more than eight hours every day.

Chrissy Meyer, region senior marketing communications director for the American Heart Association, says not only does that have a negative effect on physical health, but mental health, too. In promoting the benefits of walking, she sees an opportunity for individuals to improve outcomes on both fronts.

"We've always known that physical activity is a great way to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. But what we are learning now is that's also good for your soul, " she said.

She added taking a daily walk helps reduce stress, improves your mood and sleep - all things that can boost your mental well-being. Meyer said communities across the state are addressing walkability issues, such as Harford conducting a "walk audit" to help improve pedestrian safety.

Meanwhile, dozens of Sioux Falls businesses will participate in National Walking Day events at noon on Wednesday.

Madison Olafson, wealth management development and trust advisor with Security National Bank in Sioux Falls, points out they've also done recent fitness challenges among staff, and it didn't just include walking or weightlifting during their lunch hour. That encouragement spilled over into activities at home, such as a flooring project.

"And during the winter, a lot of people are doing indoor projects. Those may not be what people typically think of as traditional exercise and being active, but those were trackable things that you could include, " Olafson said.

As for weaving in physical activity during the workday, Olafson said it can help improve job performance and interactions with customers or clients. For those working remotely, the Heart Association encourages them to take a conference call on the go on Walking Day, or on most other days to develop a healthier routine.

Disclosure: American Heart Association of South Dakota contributes to our fund for reporting on Budget Policy & Priorities, Civic Engagement, Health Issues, Senior Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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