Walk Kansas March 17- May 11
The number 10,000 is widely known as the industry standard for the daily recommended number of steps we need. What you may not know is that we get that number from the 1960s when early Japanese walking groups created the terms manpo-kie, which means 10,000 step meter.
Once the benchmark of 10,000 steps was established in the 60s, various groups began to study the physical effects of that number. They found that this level of physical activity can help lower blood pressure, improve mood, reduce risk of cardiovascular disease, and improve glucose tolerance.
Not exercising can have just as big of a negative impact on your body. Sitting has been deemed the new smoking, and conditions that were once attributed to lifelong smokers are now being linked to sitting. If you sit for just a few hours per day, you have a higher risk of heart disease, obesity, cancer, and morbidity rate. These are some serious issues, but the good news is that they are changeable.
The key to improving your health is to get moving. If you havent been walking much throughout your days, dont let the 10,000 steps number scare you off. Start where you are. Start small, but just start.
The Walk Kansas health initiative started in 2001 and more than 265,300 people have participated. It is based on Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans and encourages people to become more physically active. Walk Kansas is NOT a competition but an opportunity to establish healthful habits with the encouragement of teammates.
Walk Kansas is a team-based program, meaning that you are part of a 6-member team and together you will select a physical activity goal (challenge) to work toward during the eight weeks. Each person logs minutes of moderate and vigorous physical activity and these are converted to Walk Kansas miles (15 minutes = 1 mile) on the website mapping your teams virtual path.
All participants receive a weekly newsletter containing information on health and wellness, exercise and activity, stress management, and a recipe; access to an interactive online system for activity reporting; and local events, classes, and celebrations supporting Walk Kansas.
Walk Kansas begins March 17, cost is $8 per participant, and there are no fees for those under 18 or those living in assisted or nursing homes. State of Kansas employees can earn four Health Quest credits for participating in the program. Participants can register online at walkkansas.org or pick up a registration packet at your local K-State Research and Extension Office. If you dont have a team, and would like to join one, register as an individual and you will be connected with a team that has similar goals.
Joy Miller may be reached at [email protected] or 620-223-3720.
