Those of you who are retired, or work at home, can stop right here. I value you as readers, but this column is directed at those who will be leaving the house and heading off to work on Friday, April 4th. If you are a member of this latter group, consider this fair warning. Dust off your sneakers and do some stretching. You'll want to be in condition for National Walk to Work Day.
     Four years ago, the Department of Health and Social Services designated the first Friday of April as the day Americans should huff and puff their way to the office, factory, salon, or hospital—wherever they earn their pay. The idea is for people to enjoy the experience and do it more often. Think of the benefits: Leaving the car in the garage will allow you to save money on gasoline. There will be no guilt that you didn't make it to the YMCA or health club. A brisk walk to work is all the exercise you'll need to arrive at your desk with a boosted serotonin level and a big smile on your face.
     I know what you're thinking: Here in Minnesota, even as late as the fourth of April, we could have a snowstorm, hail or other inclement weather that would make it downright dangerous to have so many pedestrians ambling to their jobs. You worry about potential traffic jams on the sidewalks of our cities. Don't. Let's assume it's going to be sunny and spring-like. Stranger things have happened, right?
     Getting to work on your own power will give you a chance to take in the sights you miss when you're behind the wheel worrying about the person in front of you slamming on the brakes. Instead, take a look at the blue house on the corner where freshly laundered sheets hang on the clothesline. Wave to the elderly couple reading the newspaper on their front porch. Doesn't retirement look grand? That could be you some day—older and healthy enough to enjoy your golden years.
     As any doctor will tell you, walking is the perfect exercise. It has been proven to reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. It can be done anywhere, any time. You don't need to spend money on gym memberships or those cutesy outfits that look good only on teenagers. All that's required is a sturdy pair of shoes and you're ready for takeoff.
     My husband recently changed jobs. For over 16 years, he drove to and from Fridley every day. Now, he works only a few miles away in Apple Valley. I read the blurb about National Walk to Work Day to him. "You could do this," I suggested.
     "Do what?" he asked. I knew he'd heard me but wanted to buy some extra time to formulate an answer as to why he wasn't going to take my suggestion. I repeated the information, enunciating every word in the exaggerated way I have to let him know he hasn't fooled me. He gave me his you-must-be-nuts look and went back to reading a book. It's not that he doesn't want to exercise. He walks outside or on the treadmill 30 minutes every morning. I wondered what the hang up was. He never said. I'm sure he just needs time to get used to the idea.
     What about you? Have I given you enough time to get used to the idea of walking to work on April 4th?