According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 60% of American adults do not get enough physical activity to improve their health.
In response to the growing epidemic of obesity among adults and children, the City of Memphis, Division of Park Services has developed a health and fitness program entitled Walking the Path to Good Health. This is a free 6-week walking program that will be held twice a year, Fall and Spring, at various community centers throughout Memphis.
On May 3, 2008 the City of Memphis, Division of Park Services held its inaugural walking event at Ed Rice Community Center. We had a wonderful turn-out of motivated walkers. We would like to thank everyone who came to the event, all the volunteers that worked hard to make it a success, our sponsors for their kind donations and support, and Joe Birch from Action News 5 for being our MC.
Our 2008 Fall Events:
Sept. 20th - Nov. 1st at the Frayser Raleigh Senior Center (3985 Egypt Central);
Oct. 4th - Nov. 15th at the Hickory Hill Community Center (3910 Ridgeway Road)
Pictures.
View the
News Release or
Flyer.
Program Details
Walking the Path to Good Health is a 6-week walking program, open to ages 12 and older, using the America on the Move walking program template. Participants make a 6-week commitment to keep track of their steps, each day trying to make 2000 more steps than their baseline average. They also commit to trying to cut back 100 calories each day.
- At the opening event, participants will have their Blood Pressure and Body Mass Index (BMI) measured by nurses.
- Health information will be provided in their program brochure and in a Health Fair set up on opening day.
- The first 100 participants receive a water bottle and a free pedometer to track their steps.
- Participants will then take a walk around the walking track and are encouraged to walk as far as they are able.
- Six weeks later, participants come back and have their Blood Pressure and Body Mass Index (BMI) measured again by nurses. Everyone should see an improvement if they followed the program of trying to walk more and eat less.
- Participants showing improvement and/or participation in the program will be entered into a drawing to win prizes. You must be present to win.
This program is at your own pace and is very simple to follow. It gives you the tools and some simple suggestions on how to walk more and eat less. You have the power to improve your health and you don't have to join a gym (although this is a great option), or use a fad diet. Challenge your friends and family to walk with you and make it a fun activity.
Small changes can make a big impact!
For more information on the America on the Move program, visit their site: www.americaonthemove.org