By Staff Reports
(Honolulu) — More than 770 participants, many from nearby offices, took part in Kaiser Permanente’s 11th annual Start Steppin’ lunchtime walk and health fair at the corner of Bishop and South King streets today. Kaiser Permanente staff, providers and volunteers celebrated more than a decade of promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles in the heart of downtown Honolulu by welcoming its largest crowd of walkers yet with activities, prizes and rewards for participation.
Kaiser Permanente Hawaii vice president Jill Feldon kicked off the half-mile walk at noon, leading the crowd around Tamarind Park along with the organization’s chief of sports medicine, Frank Uhr, MD. Walkers received a free water bottle holder and ID holder at checkpoints along the course. Visitors to the health fair had their sunglasses examined for UV protection, learned how to relieve stress, and spun the Kaiser Permanente prize wheel to receive a sun visor and other healthy items. Interested runners had the opportunity to register early for the 32nd annual Great Aloha Run in February 2016, with a free Kaiser Permanente prize for signing up.
Photos courtesy of Kaiser Permanente
“The mission of Start Steppin’ is to bring together our downtown business community for a celebration of active lifestyles, and show employees simple steps toward improving their health,” said Jill Feldon, vice president of Kaiser Permanente Hawaii. “Just 30 minutes of exercise a day can make a big difference in improving well-being and helping our community thrive.”
Studies have shown that walking for 30 minutes a day can have significant long-term health benefits, including a lower risk of premature death. Safe and appropriate for nearly any age or level of fitness, an ongoing walking program can improve cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, prevent weight gain and reduce risks of developing diabetes or breast cancer.
About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente Hawaii has provided total health to the people of Hawaii for more than 50 years, with physicians who are members of the Hawaii Permanente Medical Group, the largest multi-specialty physician group practice in the state of Hawaii. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. Visit kp.org for additional information. Become a fan of good health with Kaiser Permanente Hawaii: Like our page at Facebook.com/KPHawaii and follow @KPHawaii on Twitter.