Move More Newtown, an effort to get locals to increase their activity levels and embrace a healthier lifestyle, kicked off with a walk around Fairfield Hills on Wednesday, April 1.

As a way to "spring" into the season of getting outdoors, Newtown Health District launched the Move More Newtown endeavor with its key partners Newtown Parks & Recreation, Newtown Senior Center, and Newtown Community Center.

A small crowd of people from Newtown Health District and its partner groups made its way in front of the community center Wednesday morning. While much of the day was rainy, the sunshine broke through just in time for the kick-off walk.

Parks & Recreation Assistant Director Connor Negri led everyone as they walked half a mile around the Fairfield Hills campus, spanning from the municipal center to NYA Sports & Fitness and the sidewalks that ran next to D.G. Beers Boulevard and Keating Farms Avenue.

People laughed as they talked amongst themselves and strolled through the campus.

Dyllin Cappiello, Newtown Health District's Community Health Outreach and Education coordinator, said they are building on the heart health sentiment that started in February. As part of this, employees learned about the importance of knowing their numbers (weight, waist measurement, body mass index, cholesterol, blood sugar, and triglycerides), along with the signs of heart attack and stroke.

Cappiello added that American Heart Association designates April as Move More Month. According to American Heart Association, walking at a brisk pace for 150 minutes a week can boost mood, improve sleep, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

It also reports that one in four adults sits for over eight hours a day, and that walking helps counteract the effects of sedentary behavior. Even 30 minutes of light activity, the American Heart Association reports, can reduce risk of death by 17%.

Building from that, Newtown Health District and its partners decided to make April Move More Newtown Month.

"We want to just get people out and moving, and to make them aware of the different trails and walking paths in town," Cappiello said. "That is the goal of Move More Month."

Other Move More Newtown events have been held in the past week, such as Walking with Wendy on April 8 and the Community Walk & Play at Dickinson Park on April 9.

Additional events are planned. For more information, contact Newtown Health District, 203-270-4291 or health.district@newtown-ct.gov.

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Reporter Jenna Visca can be reached at jenna@thebee.com.