Will there be a Walk Kansas program this year?

Yes. It will be from March 13 to May 7. Last year, Douglas County had 80 teams with 472 individuals participate in Walk Kansas. These teams walked and/or exercised an equivalent of 53,652 miles. In addition to walking, several teams focused on weight loss. The teams reported a loss of 199.5 pounds.

One individual was able to cut his or her diabetes medication in half as a result of participating in Walk Kansas.

Kathy Pribbenow, Lawrence, shared her success story.

“The Walk Kansas program has been very motivating for me,” Pribbenow said. “Walking has increased my energy level. Exercising has given me additional motivation throughout the day. I sleep better. Some nights it’s a family affair to walk. My 5-year-old son looks forward to walking with mommy. I park farther away from buildings so I can get in some extra steps. I participated in my very first 5-mile walk. I probably would never have had the courage to do that if it wasn’t for participating in Walk Kansas.”

What is the purpose of Walk Kansas?

Its purpose is to promote active lifestyles in a fun and challenging way. Walk Kansas, a state program, is designed to improve the health of Kansans. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week will improve one’s health.

There are many benefits to walking or increasing physical activity. It helps improve energy, metabolism, muscles, coordination and flexibility. It helps relieve stress and increase endurance.

This year, participants also will have the opportunity to participate in an additional nutrition-based component of Walk Kansas. To encourage Walk Kansas participants to consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables each day, servings of fruits and vegetables will be documented along with physical activity.

So, how many are on a team and how far do we have to walk?

Participants form six-member teams with one person selected as a team captain.

Each team is challenged to achieve 423 miles, the distance across Kansas, in physical activity. The goal for each participant is to participate in a physical activity for 30 minutes a day or 1.75 miles for 5 days a week. The nutritional goal is for each individual is to consume at least 25 servings of fruits and vegetables each week.

Teams will choose a name and a team captain who will turn in mileage to K-State Research and Extension — Douglas County on a weekly basis.

In addition to walking, what other physical fitness activities are appropriate or can be counted in the Walk Kansas program?

Team members will be able to count activities other than walking as long as the activities are of moderate intensity. Approved activities include bicycling, racquetball, running, swimming, roller blading, aerobic exercise machines, aerobic exercises, weight training and team sports.

What is the cost?

The registration fee is $5 per individual or household plus $5 for each Walk Kansas T-shirt. The registration fee covers nine newsletter mailings, a celebration event and incentives.

How do teams sign up for Walk Kansas?

Contact K-State Research & Extension — Douglas County at 843-7058, stop by the office at 2110 Harper St., or e-mail skrumm@oznet.ksu.edu and ask for a captain’s packet. The packet includes information about Walk Kansas and registration forms for each team member. The registration deadline is March 1, however, we will accept registrations through March 12.

It sounds like fun, but I’m not sure if I can get five more people to make up a team. Is there anyway that I can still participate?

Yes, you can. We will assist in coordinating participants to make up a team if you can’t get your own team together.

Just give me a call or e-mail me so we can get your name on a list.