American Heart Association Partners with Westminster Kennel Club to Promote 150-Minute Activity Challenge

The American Heart Association is using the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show's milestone 150th anniversary to promote a critical public health message: aim for 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. This initiative coincides with concerning statistics showing only about 25.3% of U.S. adults meet national physical activity guidelines, while heart disease rates are projected to rise. The timing aligns with the start of American Heart Month in February, creating a natural platform to encourage healthier lifestyles through the human-animal bond celebrated at Westminster.

Research supports the connection between pet ownership and cardiovascular health. Studies indicate dog owners are more likely to meet daily activity recommendations and may experience lower stress levels, improved mood, and stronger emotional resilience. Glenn N. Levine, M.D., FAHA, a volunteer medical expert for the American Heart Association and lead author of the Association's scientific statement on pet ownership and cardiovascular risk, noted that pets can decrease stress and encourage heart-healthy habits. The Association's website at https://www.heart.org/pets offers resources for those seeking to incorporate more activity with their pets.

The Westminster Kennel Club, hosting its historic show in New York City, embraces this health partnership. Donald Sturz, Ph.D., president of The Westminster Kennel Club, stated the organization is proud to support efforts highlighting how canine companions inspire healthy habits. The bond showcased at Westminster for 150 years extends beyond emotion to tangible health benefits, including promoting more movement through daily walks, providing stress relief, fostering social connections, and encouraging healthier overall routines. Event details, including the full viewing schedule, are available at https://westminsterkennelclub.org/viewing-schedule.

While the initiative encourages activity with pets, the American Heart Association emphasizes that the 150-minute weekly goal is accessible to everyone, pet owner or not. The challenge is simple: accumulate movement through activities like walking, aiming for the weekly target. This public health push comes as the Association continues to provide guidance on physical activity requirements, with resources available explaining how much physical activity you need at https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/aha-recs-for-physical-activity-in-adults. The collaboration between a premier dog show and a leading health organization underscores a shared mission: enhancing lives through the powerful, health-promoting connection between people and dogs.