Animal Health Alliance Introduces the Wag and Walk Movement: Partners in Fitness

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) January 12, 2011 -- Animal Health Alliance (http://animalhealthalliance) is proud to partner with veterinary professionals across the country to present the Wag and Walk Movement, an effort to get people and their four-legged loved ones up and moving toward an active and healthier lifestyle. AHA wants people to make their pets their fitness partners.

Most of us know that obesity is a crisis in our country, but the pet obesity statistics are just as staggering. More than 50% of dogs and cats in the US are overweight or obese. That’s 89 million dogs and cats! And obesity is expensive. Americans spent millions of dollars last year in obesity-related veterinary care.

A few extra pounds on a cat or dog is the equivalent of 30 extra pounds on a person. Obesity can lead to arthritis, diabetes, hypertension and even asthma. Extra weight also puts an added strain on a dog’s spine and hips, areas that are already problematic for some breeds. These serious weight gains affect the quality of life and can significantly shorten the lives of our pets.

The Animal Health Alliance was created as an alternative to pet insurance to save the lives of animals by helping pet owners afford and comply with veterinary recommendations. Today, AHA expands their reach to help fight against pet obesity. AHA is currently offering Wag and Walk participants a 50% discount on annual membership. New AHA members who participate in the National Wag and Walk will also receive a free pedometer to help them reach their goals.

AHA encourages participants to share their Wag and Walk success stories. Pet owners can email their stories to AHA at animalhealthalliance (at) gmail (dot) com. Of those submitted, AHA will choose the most compelling story and will donate $500 to a shelter or rescue of the winner’s choice.

Shelters and rescues are encouraged to work together to motivate people to get themselves and their pets moving, as a way of raising awareness and of possibly raising funds for their organizations. AHA veterinary professionals are available for media interviews.

In addition, if any organization, e.g., rescues, schools, companies, would like to invite an AHA veterinarian to speak on the obesity crisis and the Wag and Walk Movement, please contact AHA, and they will work to make that happen, at no cost to the organization.

To learn more about AHA, visit http://www.youtube.com/user/AnimalHealthAlliance.

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For more information, contact Miriam Younger, Community Coordinator. (513)549-2412. animalhealthalliance@gmail.com

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