WALKING WORKS FOR SCHOOLS

    Walking works - in a lot of ways.  A brisk-paced walk can help you and your family look and feel better, increase energy, and pick up your spirits.

     Walking can work to improve your health, too.  A regular routine of brisk-paced walking daily can help you lose weight, lower cholesterol, strengthen your heart, and reduce the likelihood of serious health problems down the road.  And with America spending more than ever on preventable health problems like heart disease, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, and conditions associated with obesity such as arthritis, every step counts.

     While any increase in walking will help promote good health, the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports recommends 30 minutes a day, on five or more days a week, or 10,000 steps daily, to produce the best, long-term health benefits for the most individuals.  That is why Sweetwater City Schools grades Kdg. - 5th have partnered with Blue Cross Blue Shield in Walking Works for Schools.  Teachers incorporate a minimum of five - 10 minutes of walking into each day for a period of 12 weeks each semester.  To help teachers achieve this goal, the program provides each class with basic materials, including a pedometer to record the number of steps taken, tracking posters to chart the progress of the class and informational packets for teachers to become familiar with the benefits of daily physical activity.

     For schools that have previously participated in the BCBS Walking Works for Schools, teachers reported changes in students' behavior and weight:

Improved classroom behavoir - 70%
Improved attention span - 62%
Increased energy levels - 54%
Improved learning readiness - 44%
Increased physical endurance - 42%
Weight loss - 6%