National Capital Region team walks well together

Courtesy Photo | Among the hectic traffic, political intrigue and high-speed lifestyle of Washington, D.C., Portfolio Management and Integration-National Capital Region team members found a pocket of serenity and health while conducting their annual Walk to Wellness 5K May 12.  

ARLINGTON, VA, UNITED STATES

06.13.2016

Courtesy Story

Defense Contract Management Agency

Among the hectic traffic, political intrigue and high-speed lifestyle of Washington, D.C., Portfolio Management and Integration-National Capital Region team members found a pocket of serenity and health while conducting their annual Walk to Wellness 5K May 12.

The Defense Contract Management Agency group began their trek here at the Rosslyn Metro Station and finished 3.1 miles later at District of Columbia’s Theodore Roosevelt Island.

“This is a great team-building event and PM&I will continue to support the Walk to Wellness program into the future as we creatively seek new and interesting 5K routes in the D.C. area,” said Walt Eady, PM&I deputy director.

Each year, event organizers create historically significant routes to ensure interest remains high — the National Mall, Washington Monument, U.S. Capitol, White House and World War II Memorial have all been featured in the past.

Eady said that interest drives participation, which is important because the walk and other agency-sponsored wellness programs promote both physical and mental well-being.

“Workplace fitness is extremely important. Fit employees tend to have good attitudes,” he said. “Fit employees generally feel good. They tend to have a physical and mental balance that results in a more positive attitude in the workplace.”

According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, physical activity lowers the risk of many diseases including coronary heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Also, active adults are at lower risk for depression and declines in cognitive function as they age.

The best news for agency team members hoping to increase their fitness levels this summer is that it is not necessary to undergo Navy SEAL type-training to see results. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says that simply walking for 150 minutes a week will lower the risk of health problems like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes; strengthen bones and muscles; help burn calories; and positively impact mood.

All of which were accomplished during the NCR event — with a touch of camaraderie thrown in for good measure.

Chris Sluder, a member of the NCR’s Air Force Portfolio Division, said the wellness walk encourages fellowship among employees, and Abe Washington, the division’s portfolio manager, said “the friendly conversations during the 5K helps build unit cohesion and increase morale.”

The Navy Portfolio Division’s Mike Tluchowski hopes PMI&I team members will use this event as a springboard to habitual exercise. “One key obstacle to walking as a form of exercise is motivation. I would hope most will continue fitness programs through the busy summer months.”

• Date Taken: 06.13.2016
• Date Posted: 06.13.2016 15:09
• Story ID: 200921
• Location: ARLINGTON, VA, US