April is Move More Month, and we encourage everyone to put on their shoes, get outside and experience the many health benefits of walking, which may be one of the simplest and best ways to exercise.

The American Heart Association established Move More Month as a way to encourage individuals, schools, workplaces and communities to walk at least 30 minutes per day and take a step toward better health.

Most people know walking can be good for their health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity – or an equivalent combination each week. And walking doesn’t require a gym membership or expensive gear.

Research has shown that walking can improve people’s health by helping them maintain a healthy weight, prevent and manage conditions such as heart disease and diabetes, strengthen bones, ward off depression, and improve balance and coordination. And new technologies such as activity trackers – coupled with incentive-based wellness programs – may make walking even more fun, social and rewarding.

These innovative approaches are important because, according to the World Health Organization, two-thirds of Americans are overweight or obese. A McKinsey report suggests the nation loses $225 billion in lost productivity each year due to personal and family health issues.

In Maine, nearly 30 percent of the adult population is considered obese with a body mass index of 30 or more, according to United Health Foundation’s America’s Health Rankings. What better reason and more social way to help people get moving and on track for better health than to literally take that first step?

More than 70 percent of employers already offer wellness programs, including some that feature financial incentives for healthy behaviors such as walking, according to the Society for Human Resource Management.

Among mid- and large-sized companies, the average wellness-related financial incentive available exceeds $740 per employee per year, according to a study by the National Business Group on Health.  

That’s important, considering a study in Science & Medicine showed people tend to overestimate how much exercise they get each week by more than 50 minutes, and they underestimate sedentary time by more than two hours. People who use wearable devices may be better able to monitor and hold themselves accountable for their physical activity and aim for the recommended daily target of at least 10,000 steps.

To help celebrate this year’s Move More Month, UnitedHealthcare has launched an online mapthat takes users on a walking tour of the United States, 10,000 steps at a time. This interactive map highlights the health benefits of walking a minimum of five miles each day (approximately 10,000 steps), and helps people visualize what that distance looks like in cities nationwide.

The website also features an online pledge to help encourage people to commit themselves to walking more. By signing the pledge, people will be eligible for a chance to win walking-related prizes, including Apple Watch®, and help raise $25,000 for Boys & Girls Clubs to help reduce childhood obesity.  

So, this Move More Month, make a commitment to walk more and step up for better health.

Dr. Barry Fabius is chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare.