The Walk Kansas program is in its 11th year. It has become a signature program for K-State Research and Extension with nearly 20,000 individuals participating last year. Locally, our Walk KS committee is promoting this years’ campaign and I am pleased with the interest and enthusiasm of several key individuals and groups.
Beginning March 18th and running through May 12th, the Walk KS program will be a noticeable force in Barton County. The team packets are ready to be distributed. Each team consists of six people. A designated team captain reports the minutes of exercise each team member completes and also notes the number of servings of fruits and vegetables eaten. Much of the reporting can be completed on-line.
I was visiting with Judy Turner the other day and she shared an idea she has to invite neighbors living at Bissell Point to get involved with the Walk KS program. A group of seven friends have invited others to a come and go meeting to learn more about Walk KS. Their plan is to have a set time to walk together at the college track, along with the regular exercise team members may be involved in. A bonus of their plan is that neighbors will get to know each other better and healthy habits will be forming. Give Judy a call if you would like more information about the Bissell Point walkers.
I hope many of you reading this will be inspired to look around and consider forming a team with co-workers, friends, neighbors or family members. There is strong evidence that joining a team such as this creates the motivating force and reinforces healthy lifestyle habits. The $3.00 per person fee is a small price to pay for the administration of the program. K-State Research and Extension provides a weekly newsletter and locally we will have a celebration event with some fun prizes at the conclusion of the program.
Walk Kansas team packets are available at our office, 1800 12th Street, the Great Bend Recreation Center and Activity Center, the Hoisington Activity Center and the Ellinwood Chamber office. Optional t-shirts may be ordered for team members for an additional charge. T-shirt colors are fuchsia or navy.
Give me a call if you have any questions about the 2012 Walk Kansas program. March 18th will be here before you know it!
Donna Krug is the Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Barton County. You may reach her at (620)793-1910 or dkrug@ksu.edu