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Wednesday, April 25, is the 12th annual National Walk @ Lunch Day, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas employees in Hays have planned a special walking event to celebrate.

The purpose of National Walk @ Lunch Day is to encourage busy Kansans to take steps to becoming healthier by starting or continuing a regular walking program.

Walking is one of the simplest, safest and most effective forms of exercise. A regular walking routine – a 30-minute brisk walk most days of the week – can help control weight, reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, and be a positive influence on heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.

We are encouraging people in Hays to join our employees for a 30-minute walk during lunch Wednesday. We’ll meet at noon at the Hays Recreation Commission at 1105 Cantebury Dr. The first 100 people to join us will receive a free NW@LD T-shirt.

After brief opening comments from walk leader Karol Roadhouse, BCBSKS group consultant, those gathered will walk for 30 minutes on the grounds or in the facility.

The walk in Hays is just one of 11 that Blue Cross is hosting around the state; BCBSKS-led walks will be taking place in Dodge City, Garden City, Hays, Hutchinson, Independence, Lawrence, Manhattan, Pittsburg, Salina, Topeka and Wichita.