Start walking, start living longer

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - If you feel your job is killing you, you might be right.

Researchers say American jobs are dangerously more sedentary than 20 years ago, but you don't have to quit your job to get healthy.

It's "National Start Walking Day," and The American Heart Association says that's the first step to living a longer, healthier life.

10 On Your Side spoke with legal assistant Susan Thomas in Norfolk. She works hard all day, but doesn't get much of a workout. And too much sitting sent Susan a wake up call.

"I feel it at night, I don't sleep as well," she said.

So, she's doing something about it. Thomas headed out to Town Point Park and met up with dozens of people in the same position to start walking.

The American Heart Association created the Start! movement to encourage people to add walking to their workday. The AHA reports 70 percent of Americans get no daily exercise.

Taking a daily walk can reduce the risk of heart disease 30 percent.

Bon Secours Hampton Roads CEO Michael Kerner joined in the walk.

"Nobody else is going to tell you to not eat that and take a walk," he said. "You've got to take that on yourself and for the best of your family and yourself."

It makes a big difference in Thomas' life.

"I do mean business when I walk," she said, slightly out of breath. "This is rather slow for me but, it's okay."

She says she will sleep well tonight and do it again tomorrow.

"It doesn't take long for your body to say, 'Hey, you've done this for me three or four days. Why aren't you doing it now?'"

Because, once you start, she says, you won't want to stop.