BALTIMORE, MD (November 12, 2008) -- Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown today joined state employees in a celebration of the new state exercise of walking by leading a group of walkers around the State Office Complex near Baltimore’s cultural arts district. 

“It should go without saying, the health of Maryland population is of utmost importance to the O’Malley-Brown Administration,” Lt. Governor Brown said.  “Exercise leads to better health, and walking is great low-impact way to reap the benefits of aerobic exercise.” 

The event is sponsored by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) and is designed to draw attention to the University of Maryland’s Get Fit Maryland, a 12-week pedometer-based walking program. 

DHMH Secretary John M. Colmers and Department of General Services (DGS) Secretary Alvin C. Collins joined the Lt. Governor in the walk and in festivities that led up to the event, including an award presented to the state by the President’s Council on Physical Fitness for Maryland’s exemplary performance and participation in the President’s Fitness Challenge. 

 “Walking is an easy and effective way stay physically fit,” Secretary Colmers said.  “People who spend 30 minutes every day taking a walk are better able to combat obesity and reduce the related risks of diabetes and heart disease.” 

Get Fit Maryland is a partnership between the University of Maryland Medical Center, the University of Maryland School of Medicine and Merritt Athletic Clubs, with support from DHMH. 

“Walking is one of the healthy choices we recommend to DGS employees,” said DGS Secretary Collins.  “Walking around our State Center campus with its colorful landscape is always uplifting.  We welcome participation by our neighboring communities.  Direction maps are available at the DGS police kiosks on Preston and Howard and Preston and Eutaw streets.” 

Registered participants will receive a backpack registration kit that includes a top-quality pedometer, a log book to record steps, a pen, health tips and other useful pieces of information.  Enrollees qualify for monthly incentive prizes for completing the log book and have an opportunity to win prizes at the completion of the program. 

In May, Governor Martin O’Malley signed legislation designating walking as the state exercise following passage of a bill introduced into the 2008 session of the General Assembly by State Senator Verna Jones. 

More information about Get Fit Maryland is available by logging onto www.getfitmaryland.org/