Released: February 01, 2008

Low-cost Extension program offers health benefits

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Walk Kansas is a Kansas State University Research and Extension health and fitness program, but a prior connection with K-State or the statewide Extension Service isn’t necessary to enroll – and benefit.

The health-promoting opportunity encourages teams of six to compile miles equal to the distance – 423 miles – across the state, said Sharolyn Jackson, Walk Kansas state coordinator, who is based on the K-State campus in Manhattan.

Although introduced six years ago to encourage walking, Walk Kansas has expanded to also count 15-minutes of moderate physical activity such as hiking, biking, swimming, water aerobics or other individual and team sports as one mile toward a Walk Kansas’ team goal, said Jackson, who also is K-State Research and Extension’s northeast area family and consumer sciences specialist.

“Activities can vary, yet the team approach helps make this fitness program one that works,” Jackson said. “A little friendly pressure from friends, family, co-workers or others may be all that it takes to encourage teammates who may be having an off day to get moving.”

Being able to exercise near your home or workplace also is a plus, she said.

With Walk Kansas 2008 scheduled March 9-May 3, Jackson is encouraging:

Most of those who enroll meet their goal. And, people who have participated in the program in recent years often will say they look better, feel better, have more energy, improved sleep habits, lower blood pressure, lose weight and notice a difference in how their clothes feel.

Regular moderate physical activity also is known to reduce the risks of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers, including colorectal and breast cancer, Jackson said.

The cost to participate is affordable, she said. A $5 registration fee covers program materials and weekly newsletters with food, nutrition and health tips and recipes. An optional T-shirt – this year’s color choices include lavender and grey – also can be purchased.

In 2008, the “Healthy Eating for Life” series of cooking videos is being expanded to include instructions for roasting summer vegetables, making crispy, whole grain waffles and a roast turkey panini sandwich.

The cooking videos are practical, said Jackson, who offered the example of the tips for using leftover roasted vegetables to create a dinner salad, oven casserole or homemade pizza.

The videos will be added to the Web site (www.walkkansas.org) during the 2008 program, Jackson said.

The fitness program has typically proved popular with families, friends, neighbors and co-workers.

Don’t know others who are interested? Call the local Extension office and ask to be paired with others looking for a team.

“It’s a great way to meet new people,” said Jackson, who noted that during the six-year history of the program as many as 60 percent of the participants in Walk Kansas have had no prior experience with Extension programs.

More information about registration for Walk Kansas 2008 is available at county and district K-State Research and Extension offices and on the Walk Kansas Web site: www.walkkansas.org  and Extension Web site: www.oznet.ksu.edu.

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Nancy Peterson
nancyp@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News