Editorial

Tour Southwest Nebraska step-by-step

Friday, May 30, 2008

A Chinese proverb claims that a journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. Anyone who has ever tried to lose a few extra pounds or begin a fitness program knows how true that proverb can be. Apparently the leaders at Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department also understand that concept.

June 1 marks the beginning of the department's "Walk to Health" program. Now in its 5th year, the Walk to Health program enrolled 150 participants last year. The goal of the program is to encourage more physical activity and to improve the overall health of southwest Nebraska. That's important because the obesity rates for southwest Nebraska is around 20-21 percent. That is higher than the state average (18-19 percent)."

This year, participants will be taking a "virtual" tour of our area. Using a pedometer, walkers will track their progress as they go on their daily walks. While participants won't actually be walking around Southwest Nebraska, they can travel that distance by walking on a treadmill, walking trail, around town, or on a country road. By setting a daily step-goal, walkers can virtually trek across southwest Nebraska without spending a penny on gas.

The distance from Imperial to Holbrook is 96 miles or 192,000 steps. That long journey may seem overwhelming until you start it. Take enough single steps, and before long you'll arrive. By simply walking two miles per day (about 40 minutes), the trip could be accomplished in 48 days. Even with taking a few days of rest, you could still arrive long before the end of the program, Aug. 31.

Imperial to Holbrook seems like too much? Try Max to Enders. That is 35 miles or 70,000 steps. In fact, there are 19 destinations with 38 communities to "visit." According to Director Myra Stoney, "the focal point of the program is for participants to get additional exercise over and above what they do in a normal day."

The fee for the program is $10 per person. For that fee, participants receive a walking journal, pedometer, fitness/nutrition informational handouts, body mass index (BMI) measurements before and after the program, and group informational sessions held in McCook and Imperial. Those who complete the program by turning in their logs will receive a T-shirt. But the real benefit is the improvement in physical and mental well-being and the long-term health advantage gained through improved physical fitness.

A sign up sheet is available on the Internet at www.swhealthdept.com or by calling the health department at (308)345-4223 or 888-345-4223.

Respond to this story

Posting a comment requires free registration: