Hundreds of workers took part in the Heart Walk in Massachusetts.
The Daily News reported that the 1.2 mile walk took place at Staples’ headquarters in Framingham to raise awareness of heart health, and at the same time to raise money for medical research within the American Heart Association. The walkers wore white t-shirts emblazoned with a red heart, and some dressed in fancy dress. This is part of a Staples strategy across the country, and the company expects to raise $60,000 (€53,478) altogether for the charity.
Along the walk route, the American Heart Association had put up signs of an educational theme giving facts about smoking and blood clots and strokes. Regis Mulot, Staples Executive Vice President of Human Resources, said that “the walks are a great opportunity to encourage employees to be healthy”, and added that there was also opportunity on the day to discover good habits and learn CPR, as well as other life-saving activities.
Mulot commented: “For every hour of brisk walking, life expectancy may increase for some adults by two hours. That’s a healthy return on investment, and one that we hope will continue to inspire our associates to take up walking regularly.”
One walker said: “I think (exercise is) something everyone has to consider, especially as you get older. With age, you slow down a little, so you need to get out and move and keep the heart pumping.”
An employee in the company’s risk management department, Joan Minot said that she bought a Fitbit and as a result has become more health conscious, and she commented that Staples is supportive of fitness, and gives “employees flexibility in their hours” so that they can exercise. “Staples is very health conscious,” she noted, adding: “They’ve encouraged us all to get up and move and do things that are good for us. The cafeteria has a lot of very good choices every day, so it’s really nice.”