By SALINA POST
As spring approaches, Lisa Newman always looks forward to getting outside and enjoying the sunshine. As a K-State Research and Extension Family and Community Wellness Extension Agent, she also looks forward to Walk Kansas, a program that has been fostering movement for nearly a quarter-century.
Two-thirds of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis, can be prevented or delayed by lifestyle changes. Such changes include regularly going for walks or other exercise. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each week or about 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
Newman oversees the team-based challenge designed to promote healthier living through activities such as walking, jogging, running, biking, swimming, or any other form of physical exercise. She said the new online dashboard makes tracking your progress easy, regardless of participant location.
"Walk Kansas was founded on the principle that if teams of six people would meet the minimum guidelines for physical activity over eight weeks, they could collectively and virtually walk across the state of Kansas, which is 423 miles," said Sharolyn Jackson, the state leader of the Walk Kansas program.
Aligned with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week, Walk Kansas provides a tangible framework for individuals to enhance their fitness levels.
"These challenges we've come up with try to meet that level of recommended exercise and some of the challenges go a little beyond that, like the Little Balkans to Nicodemus or the US Route 56 challenge," Newman said.
The "The Eight Wonders of Kansas" challenge provides a uniquely Kansas option for participants allowing them to complete their exercise and learn about the Eight Wonders of Kansas.
The Eight Kansas Wonders include the Big Well in Greensburg, Kansas, Cheyenne Bottoms in Barton County, The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson, The Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, The Kansas Underground Salt Museum in Hutchinson, Monument Rocks and Castle Rock in Gove County, The Basilica of St. Fidelis in Victoria and the Konza Tall Grass Prairie National Preserve.
Walk Kansas also offers a solo challenge for those who don’t have a team or just prefer to take on the challenge themselves. Participants do not have to live in Kansas to be on a team or to do the solo challenge.
"The other nice thing I like about this program, and it's not a requirement or anything like that, but if folks want to monitor their fruits and veggies and their water consumption, there is a place on the dashboard where you can enter that information," Newman said.
Beyond the physical benefits, Walk Kansas offers a holistic approach to well-being. Weekly newsletters provide valuable insights into various aspects of healthy living, including sleep, diet, strength and balance – enhancing participants' overall wellness journey.
Registration is open, with the program slated to run from March 31 to May 25. Registration closes for Saline and Ottawa counties on April 7.
Walk Kansas isn't confined to state lines; participants from across the nation and even globally are welcomed, allowing friends and family separated by distance to partake in the program together.