Airport Unveils Walking Paths

April 4, 2012

News Release

Indianapolis, Ind. -- The Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) unveiled three official American Heart Association Walking Paths at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) today, giving travelers, visitors and IND-based employees a new opportunity to improve their heart health while at the terminal. The event coincided with the American Heart Association's National Walking Day, a callout to all Americans to make regular exercise part of their lives, and enhancements to the IAA's Wellness Program.

All visitors at the airport can traverse a quarter-mile path around the ticketing hall. Travelers who have passed through security checkpoints can walk half-mile laps around each concourse or a 1.1-mile lap around both concourses.

"Walking is one of the best ways to fight heart disease," said Dan Krajnovich, chairman of the American Heart Association's Indianapolis Metropolitan Board of Directors. "It's free, and you can do it anywhere. Travelers often have a lot of time before or between flights. By having designated Walking Paths at the airport, travelers can keep their blood flowing before sitting on a plane for a few hours. We're thrilled that the airport is encouraging them to stay active."

In addition to the more than 20,000 travelers who pass through the airport on an average day, approximately 10,000 people work at IND.

"The IAA takes a comprehensive approach toward promoting employee wellness," said James Keough, senior director of human resources for the IAA. "Along with financial, social, and workplace wellbeing, physical health is an important part of improving quality of life, and we are pleased with this opportunity to encourage our employees and guests to build fitness into their daily routines."

IND joins a growing list of more than 290 Indiana walking paths listed on the American Heart Association's Web site at www.startwalkingnow.org . While many of those paths have been submitted by users, several are officially designated paths such as at the airport and at all Simon malls in the state.

The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of moderate exercise five times per week. A person is 1.5 to 2.4 times more likely to have coronary heart disease if he or she is inactive, but walking vigorously for 30 minutes per day can reduce high blood pressure and cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. Studies show that some adults may gain as many as two hours of life expectancy for each hour of regular, vigorous physical activity, such as very brisk walking.

Additional facts about walking, resources about getting started, and a list of walking paths are available at www.startwalkingnow.org. The American Heart Association also offers a free Walking Path app for iPhone and Android phones.

National Walking Day is part of the American Heart Association's My Heart. My Life platform, which is sponsored nationally by Subway and Jenny Craig, and locally by JD Byrider and IU Health/American Health Network

About the Indianapolis Airport Authority

The Indianapolis Airport Authority (IAA) owns and operates Indiana's largest airport system. In addition to Indianapolis International Airport (IND), its facilities include the Downtown Heliport, Eagle Creek Airpark, Hendricks County Airport, Indianapolis Regional Airport, and Metropolitan Airport. IND has received several prestigious awards recognizing it as a leader within its class, including annual Airport Service Quality awards for performance excellence by Airports Council International. IND is the first airport in the U.S. to win LEEDŽ certification for an entire terminal campus, and the airport has won recognition for excellent customer service, concessions programs, and art and architecture.

IND's economic impact in Central Indiana is more than $3.3 billion annually, and about 10,000 people work at the airport each day. Benefitting from lower-than-average fares, IND serves more than 7 million business and leisure travelers each year and averages 135 daily nonstop flights to 34 destinations. Home of the world's second-largest FedEx Express operation and the nation's eighth-largest cargo facility, IND is committed to becoming the airport system of choice for both passenger and cargo service. For more information, visit IND's Facebook page at Indianapolis International Airport and Twitter page at @INDairport.

About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary health organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Our mission is to build healthier lives by preventing, treating and defeating these diseases - America's No. 1 and No. 4 killers. We fund cutting-edge research, conduct lifesaving public and professional educational programs, and advocate to protect public health. To learn more or join us in helping all Americans, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit heart.org.

Source: Indianapolis International Airport