With wintry weather still in the forecast, many in Kansas will be pleased to know that Walk Kansas 2010 is scheduled March 7-May 1.
While returning participants typically describe the program announcement as a sure sign that spring is coming, Sharolyn Jackson, state program coordinator, credits much of the enthusiasm for the Kansas State University Research and Extension fitness challenge to the team approach.
"Joining friends, colleagues or family members (to form a team of six) to log minutes of exercise equivalent to covering the 423-mile distance across Kansas in eight weeks can make improving health easy -- and fun," she said.
And, although introduced (in 2002) as a walking program, the fitness challenge has been expanded to include 10-consecutive minute segments of a variety of physical activities to match participants' interests, skills and abilities. Examples of qualifying activities include aerobics, ballroom dancing, bicycling, swimming, tennis, canoeing, some team sports, and mowing the lawn.
The fitness challenge is structured so that even beginners can be successful, Jackson said. Those who are new to physical activity, but wanting to improve health, are encouraged to schedule 10- minute exercise breaks to accomplish the 30-minutes of physical activity encouraged at least five days a week.
Scheduling 10-minute activity breaks also can help to add physical activity to hectic schedules, Jackson said.
This year, participants also will be asked to note daily consumption of health-promoting fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that only 19 percent of Kansans currently meet the daily recommendations for fruit and vegetable consumption," Jackson said.
More than half of Kansas residents also fail to reach weekly recommendations for health-promoting physical activity that also is recommended for health, she said.
Many chronic illnesses (diabetes and heart disease are examples) can either be prevented or managed successfully with diet and physical activity, said Jackson, who noted that, in Kansas, more than 70 percent of healthcare costs are attributed to chronic illnesses.
Walk Kansas is offered by county and district K-State Research and Extension offices. The basic program typically includes an enthusiastic kick-off, weekly newsletter with food, nutrition and health tips, recipes and motivational tips, and closing celebration.
Many Extension offices also offer health and lifestyle classes, so costs for the eight-week program are usually $10 or less, but may vary slightly, Jackson said. An optional program T-shirt (available in sapphire blue or black this year) also can be purchased.
The majority of people who enroll in Walk Kansas are successful in covering the distance. Many also report weight loss, toning, increased energy, and tress management resulting from physical activity and greater awareness about choosing foods that contribute to health, said Jackson, who also is the family and consumer sciences specialist for the northeast Kansas extension area.
If interested in participating in -- and benefiting from -- Walk Kansas, but not acquainted with others who share an interest in improving health, Jackson recommends contacting the county or district Extension office and asking to be put on a team.
For more information, contact the county or district K-State Research and Extension office or go online: www.walkkansas.org .
