DEERFIELD, Ill. — Walgreen Co. has launched Walk with Walgreens, a program that the drug chain said urges Americans to walk more and rewards participants "for every step they take on the road to better health."
Walgreens said Wednesday that the effort is part of its national health initiative aimed at prevention and early detection of leading diseases, such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. The drug store operator noted that many health studies show that even just 30 minutes of walking per day can help reduce one’s risk for those conditions.
Through the Walk with Walgreens online community and digital platform, participants can log the steps they take and get rewards in the form of weekly coupons redeemable at Walgreens stores nationwide. They can also learn about the health benefits of walking, set walking goals, find local community walks, and share content and information with family and friends through the site.
"Walk with Walgreens inspires people to take the small steps that lead to a well life, making walking even more rewarding," Kim Feil, Walgreens’ chief marketing officer, said in a statement. "We’re creating a simple, national walking movement: walk, log, get rewards. It’s another way we’re educating and engaging our customers to help them stay well and live well."
People can register online at www.walgreens.com/walk, where they will receive a virtual starter kit to begin the program. Registration is also available in the photo department at any Walgreens store or by texting "walk" to 21525.
Actress Alison Sweeney, host of "The Biggest Loser," author of The Mommy Diet and a well-known proponent of healthy living and lifestyles, helped kick off Walk with Walgreens by leading a walk through Times Square in Manhattan. She was joined by officials from the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, American Diabetes Association and Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, as well as many others.
In addition, broadcast journalist Joan Lunden, who’s also a best-selling author and longtime advocate for preventive health causes, is associated with the program. Lunden is serving as a weekly contributor to the Walk with Walgreens web site and was on hand for the kick-off event.
To celebrate the launch, Walgreens will also make a $1 donation for every new Walk with Walgreens registration in April, up to $100,000, to the aforementioned national health organizations as part of the Walgreens Way to Well Commitment, a four-year, $100 million health initiative to bring preventive health care resources, health testing services and charitable programs to Walgreens stores nationwide.
