WASHINGTON (May 1, 2025)--ABC’s Good Morning America and other groups have announced a challenge to kick off the National Walking Month in May. Scientific evidence suggests that a regular walking habit can help maintain a healthy weight, manage or even prevent a long list of serious diseases including heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure and others.
The George Washington University has experts available to discuss the scientific evidence on a regular walking habit as a foundation for good health and on how to build a walk or other physical activity into daily life. To schedule an interview with an expert, please contact Kathy Fackelmann, kfackelmann
gwu [dot] edu (kfackelmann[at]gwu[dot]edu) or Katelyn Deckelbaum, katelyn [dot] deckelbaumgwu [dot] edu (katelyn[dot]deckelbaum[at]gwu[dot]edu).
Marinella Temprosa, an associate research professor of biostatistics at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health, helped lead a study published April 28 that shows the long-term value of something as simple as a daily walk for 30 minutes five times a week. The study showed that such exercise combined with a low-fat healthy diet could reduce the long-term development of diabetes by 24%.
Loretta DiPietro is a professor of exercise and nutrition sciences at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health. She can talk about the timing of exercise and how a 15 minute post-meal walk may lower your risk of high blood sugar and diabetes. She can also offer tips on how to stay in shape this summer and build more exercise into daily life.
Todd Miller, is an associate professor of exercise and nutrition sciences and the former director of the GW Weight Management and Human Performance Lab. He can comment on how to prioritize fitness in a busy schedule and offer a range of workouts from a simple walking routine to more vigorous exercise and weight training.
Jennifer Walsh is a clinical assistant professor in the GW School of Nursing and primarily teaches pediatrics and health assessment.
Michael Knight is an assistant professor of medicine at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He is board certified in internal medicine and obesity medicine. His clinical interests include chronic disease management, minority health, and obesity.
Marijane Hynes is a clinical professor of medicine at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences. She started the Weight Loss Clinic, which focuses on behavior changes and diabetes prevention and is committed to helping her patients lose weight as a treatment for many of their medical problems.
Leigh Frame is an associate professor of clinical research and leadership at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and co-director of the GW Resiliency and Well-being Center.
Lorenzo Norris is an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and chief wellness officer at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He can talk about the role exercising has in reducing stress.
Amir Afkhami is the vice chair and professor of psychiatry at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences. He can talk about the benefits that walking and exercising can have on your mental health.