Staff Reports
Are you ready to get moving, improve your health and enjoy life more?
Get WalkIN’ is a free email-based walking program being offered through Purdue Extension Jackson County. Participants can sign up via email, walk on their own and receive emailed support and information. It is designed to encourage individuals to learn more about the health benefits of walking and encourage individuals to get moving.
“Now more than ever, physical activity is important to engage in for our mental and physical health,” said Molly Marshall, health and human sciences extension educator in Jackson County.
“Just remember to keep 6 feet of space between you and your neighbor, don a mask if you prefer and you are good to go,” she said. “Walking is a popular form of physical activity and good for your health.”
Only half of all American adults get the recommended amount of physical activity, Marshall said.
“Lack of physical activity is directly related to the occurrence of adult obesity and overweight,” she said. “Regular physical activity can lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, depression and falls in older adults. Walking is an excellent way for most people to increase their physical activity. It is an easy way to start and maintain a physically active lifestyle.”
Walking is accessible to almost anyone, doesn’t require specific skills or abilities to perform, can be performed alone or with others and is adaptable (i.e., can be performed at any chosen intensity and is inexpensive).
“Walking can serve many purposes,” Marshall said. “It can be a way to exercise, have fun and get to other nearby destinations, like a sidewalk in a park or hiking trail. Importantly, making walking easier can help communities by improving safety, social cohesion and reducing air pollution.”
If you know you need to get more active but lack the initiative to get started, make excuses like “I do not have time, I don’t want to walk alone or where would I walk?” or started to walk and lost interest or motivation, Get WalkIN’ is just for you, Marshall said.
“You will receive emails that provide encouragement, motivation, provide information about health and wellness and more,” Marshall said.
Participants will be asked to complete two short online surveys. The program begins Tuesday. To sign up, contact Marshall at [email protected].
“Before you know it, you will be walking, feeling better with more energy and have a new healthy habit,” she said.
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Get WalkIN’ is a free email-based walking program being offered through Purdue Extension Jackson County.
Participants can sign up via email, walk on their own and receive emailed support and information.
Participants will be asked to complete two short online surveys.
The program begins Tuesday.
To sign up, contact Molly Marshall at [email protected].
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