By Beth Kerr 4-H/FCS Estension Agent, Hamilton County
“Let's Walk, Florida!” is a 10-week program that focuses on improving or maintaining your health through the physical activity of your choice and at your fitness level. Walking is a great activity that provides both short-term and long-term physical, mental and emotional benefits.
Your health matters!
Physical activity can reduce blood pressure, improve sleep, boost your immune system, and improve insulin sensitivity. Emotional and cognitive benefits of exercise can include a reduction in anxiety symptoms and depression, improved cognitive focus and increased energy. When coupled with healthy eating, meeting physical activity recommendations for your age and activity level promotes mental and physical wellness, weight management and chronic disease prevention and management.
Are you interested in lowering your risk of heart disease? Would you like to strengthen your bones and muscles? Reduce your risk of type-2 diabetes and some cancers? Regular physical activity can help!
Program overview
“Let's Walk, Florida!” is a statewide, virtual healthy lifestyle education program and physical activity challenge. During this 10-week program, you will receive weekly eGuides, engage in weekly eConnections with a local health educator and other residents from your county and track and report your physical activity minutes. This virtual community provides the education, support and accountability needed to improve your health.
The goal of “Let's Walk, Florida!” is to build a community where healthy eating and an active lifestyle become lifetime habits. Even though the title of the program is “Let's Walk,” participants are encouraged to track and report any moderate intensity cardiovascular activity. Top performers will also compete for gift cards and other prizes at the county or state level. All program completers will receive a certificate and medal. Program registration is $15.
Who can register?
The “Let's Walk, Florida!” program is for everyone: individuals, families, friends and co-workers! Register as a solo walker, as a family unit, or as a team! Start where you are, at your current fitness level. Setting weekly goals, reading educational eGuides and encouraging friends and family members will help you maintain your commitment to walking – and to improving your health and fitness!
How do I sign up?
Encourage your friends, co-workers, and family members to join you and “Let's Walk Florida!”
Both Hamilton and Suwannee County residents can preregister at www.tiny.one/walkfl. For more information, contact your local extension agent.
Hamilton County: Contact 4-H/FCS agent Beth Kerr at makerr@ufl.edu or call (386) 792-1276.
Suwannee County: Contact FCS agent Kim Griffin at griffink@ufl.edu or call (386) 362-2771.
Beth Kerr serves Hamilton County as the UF/IFAS4-H and Family & Consumer Science Agent. She is available by emailing makerr@ufl.edu or calling the UF/IFAS Hamilton County Extension Office at 386-792-1276. UF/IFAS Hamilton County Extension Office is an equal opportunity institution.