Lace up those walking shoes: Walk Across Arkansas begins Feb. 15
By Mary Hightower
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts:
- https://walk.uada.edu/walk/
- Walk Across Arkansas begins Feb.15 - April 10.
(233 words)
LITTLE ROCK – Walk Across Arkansas, an eight-week public health initiative that begins Feb. 15, is encouraging schools to take part, said LaVona Traywick, an associate professor of gerontology for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.
“Since the program began almost 10 years ago, we’ve had more than 5,000 Arkansans take part and make the commitment to get moving,” Traywick said. “And we’d love to have Arkansas students take part in this. It’s never too early to get into the habit of exercise.”
Last year, Walk Across Arkansas participants racked up more than a 1.57 million minutes of exercise time with an estimated healthcare cost savings of $157,400 for the entire state.
“We want people to know that we’re not really walking across the state, but we have people from all over the state, walking and doing other forms of exercise as part of this eight weeks,” Traywick said.
It’s easy. Sign up and record the number of minutes you walk or do other exercise for eight weeks. Walkers are encouraged to form teams to keep the enthusiasm high. Participants who report their minutes all eight weeks of the event will earn an incentive.
“The idea is simple – over the eight weeks, people get into the habit of exercising and we’ve heard from participants that Walk Across Arkansas has put them on the road to regular exercise and healthier living,” Traywick said
To register, go to http://www.uaex.uada.edu/life-skills-wellness/health/fitness/walk-across-arkansas.aspx or click the Walk Across Arkansas slide in the upper part of the www.uaex.uada.edu homepage.
Then start walking through April 10, recording minutes as you go.
For more information about taking steps to lifestyle changes, visit www.uaex.uada.edu/life-skills-wellness/personalfinance/small-steps-health-wealth.aspx.
The is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, please contact your county extension office as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Media Contact: Mary Hightower
Dir. of Communication Services
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
mhightower@uada.edu
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