Walk with Walgreens kicks off in New York's Times Square
NEW YORK — Walgreens on Wednesday morning launched a national health initiative, Walk with Walgreens, here at its flagship store in Times Square.
The new initiative was created to lead to the prevention and early detection of leading diseases, including cancer, heart disease and diabetes, the pharmacy operator stated.
"Walk with Walgreens inspires people to take the small steps that lead to a well-life, making walking even more rewarding," stated Kim Feil, Walgreens chief marketing officer. "We're creating a simple, national walking movement — walk, log, get rewards. It's another way we're educating and engaging our customers to help them stay well and live well."
To help kick off the event, “The Biggest Loser” host Alison Sweeney and New York Giants defensive end Justin Tuck, joined with Walgreens executives Kim Feil, chief marketing officer, and Cheryl Pegus, chief medical officer, on the maiden walk through New York City. "As a working mom with a hectic schedule, finding time to walk every day is a top priority," Sweeney said. "I'm proud to be a part of Walk with Walgreens because it's a great way for people to become more aware of the importance of every step they take — how easy it is and how rewarding it can be in improving your health and helping you save."
Joan Lunden, award-winning broadcast journalist, best-selling author and longtime advocate for a number of preventive health causes, also is associated with the program. Lunden is serving as a weekly contributor to the Walk with Walgreens website and was likewise on hand for the kickoff event.
Walk with Walgreens is an online community and digital platform that enables members to log the steps they take and get rewards, in the form of weekly coupons, redeemable at Walgreens stores nationwide. Participants also can learn about the health benefits of walking, set walking goals, find local community walks and share content and information with family and friends through the site.
People can register online, where they will receive a virtual starter kit to begin the program. Registration also is available in the photo department at any Walgreens store or by texting "walk" to 21525. To celebrate the launch, Walgreens also will make a $1 donation for every new Walk with Walgreens registration in April, up to $100,000, to the aforementioned national health organizations as part of the Walgreens Way to Well Commitment. The Way to Well Commitment is a four-year, $100 million health initiative to bring preventive health care resources, health testing services and charitable programs to Walgreens stores nationwide — helping to improve the everyday health of Americans through prevention and early detection of today's leading diseases.