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Get Moving This April: Celebrate Move More Month and National Walking Day!
April is Move More Month, the perfect time to add more physical activity to your daily routine.
Moving regularly can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke, boost energy, improve mood, and support overall well-being. Michigan offers countless ways to stay active. You might hike in one of our beautiful state parks, try pickleball with family and friends, or take a brisk walk around your neighborhood. If you need ideas to make movement fun, explore tips from the American Heart Association on how to Move More Together.
Mark your calendar for National Walking Day on April 1, 2026, and take time to enjoy Michigan’s parks, trails, and neighborhoods. Walking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay active, and it is easy to fit into your day morning, noon, or night. Find practical tips from the American Heart Association in Fit in Walking, Morning, Noon or Night.
Walking is also the most popular form of exercise because it is accessible and offers big health benefits. Learn more in Why Walking is the Most Popular Form of Exercise.
Here are a few easy ways to add more steps to your day:
- Take a walk during your lunch break or after dinner.
- Explore Michigan’s parks and trails with a friend or pet.
- Walk instead of driving for short trips.
- Invite a friend or family member to join you.
The Michigan Moves Coalition is working to bring communities together and inspire healthier lifestyles across the state. Learn more about Michigan’s Physical Activity Plan to help create a healthier Michigan.
Stroke: Act FAST, Stay Healthy, and Help Raise Awareness
It's always a good time to learn the signs of stroke and how to prevent it. A stroke happens when the brain loses blood supply, either from a blockage or burst blood vessel. Timely detection and treatment can significantly reduce the impact and improve recovery.
Recognize the Signs: BE FAST!
- Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination
- Eyes: Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Face: Face drooping or numbness
- Arms: Weakness in one arm
- Speech: Slurred or difficult speech
- Time: Call 911 immediately
Prevention is Key
Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle — like eating a balanced diet, staying active, and managing health conditions — can lower stroke risk. The American Stroke Association Life's Essential 8 guidelines are a great resource for maintaining brain and cardiovascular health.
The Michigan Stroke Program offers community resources and training to help raise awareness and prevent strokes. Learn more about local programs and how you can get involved through the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Michigan Stroke Program.
Visit the American Stroke Association for more information.
Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T.
Check out this video from American Stroke Association: Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T.
What Do You Know About Stroke and High Blood Pressure?
A stroke is a medical emergency that can happen to anyone, at any age and at any time. Know the facts! You can take steps to reduce the risk of having a stroke by taking some simple steps.
- Avoid smoking, vaping, and secondhand smoke.
- Get adequate sleep.
- Eat healthy foods that are low in saturated and trans fats.
- Limit your alcohol consumption.
- Get at least 150 minutes of active movement in every week. This will help you to keep a healthy weight and, as a bonus, can help you decrease your stress and help you sleep better too! Check out www.livetothebeat.org
These lifestyle recommendations also work against high blood pressure.
Do you know your blood pressure numbers? High blood pressure is a leading cause of strokes, as well as kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, dementias, and other life-altering conditions.
Regular medical checkups are important to detect and manage blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, take your medications as directed, measure your blood pressure often, and talk to your doctor about additional things you can do to minimize your risk of high blood pressure and stroke.
Pregnant? Learn About Preeclampsia
Do you know that pregnancy and the six weeks after giving birth is a time when birthing people are at higher risk of a life-threatening high blood pressure condition called preeclampsia?
From 2015 to 2019, complications related to high blood pressure caused more pregnant Michigan individuals to die than any other reason.
Be sure to keep your prenatal and post-delivery appointments, and watch your blood pressure and blood sugar. Make sure to know the warning signs for preeclampsia, such as increased swelling, headache, and shortness of breath. If you experience any of these, talk to your doctor without delay!
For more information, visit the Preeclampsia Foundation at www.preeclampsia.org.
Did You Know Blood Pressure Can Affect Your Brain Health?
It is normal for your brain to change as you get older. Having healthy blood pressure can lower your risk for memory loss and confusion. Follow your healthcare provider's guidance to manage your blood pressure.
- Monitor your blood pressure.
- Do not use tobacco products.
- Practice good sleep habits.
- Be physically active.
- Eat healthy meals.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Limit alcoholic beverages.
- Manage stress.
- Take medications as prescribed.
For more information about blood pressure, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention High Blood Pressure website.
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