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Douglas County

K-State Research and Extension Douglas County 
2110 Harper Street
Lawrence KS 66046

Hours: 8 am - 5 pm
Monday - Friday

785-843-7058

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2023 - 2025 Strategic Plan of K-State Research & Extension Douglas County

Walk Kansas 2023

Chassidy Weathers, Community Health & Wellness Intern

Walk Kansas is a program that is team-based with the intent to help individuals take on a healthier lifestyle. This could mean being more physically active with family and friends, eating a more nutritious diet, and to “walk” away your stresses in life. The teams involved could be made up of family, friends, coworkers, community members, neighbors, etc. A total of six members make up a team with one individual taking on the role of captain. The great thing about the team members is that they do not have to live in the same town, county, state, or even country as everyone. Individual options are also available.  

Since as early as 2001, K-State Research and Extension has been promoting and encouraging this wonderful and free health treatment - walking - through the Walk Kansas program. 

Benefits of being physically active improve your overall health and well-being, no matter the type, shape, size, or ability. Being physically active can aid in helping the body ultimately feel better. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity activity be completed weekly.  

When thinking about nutrition, it is important to keep in mind that healthy eating and staying hydrated is vital for obtaining and maintain good health. A major benefactor includes decreasing the risk for chronic diseases throughout your life span. Becoming a Walk Kansas participant requires you to report out on the amount of fruits and vegetables consumed each week, along with an option to track said fruits and vegetables.  

walk kansas  people walking  graphic

Walking; so simple, yet so important. The power of walking is insurmountable. It helps decrease the rates of heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, and Alzheimer’s by almost 40 percent. In addition to decreasing the risk of chronic disease, implementing physical activity shows benefits relatively quick. After an 8-week period, previous Walk Kansas participants have reported that they have more energy during the day, more endurance overall, increased muscle strength, higher flexibility, a much sounder sleep schedule, and have a better attitude about things. Walking around your town also has its own benefits as well. By having more individuals walking around, it makes the towns, cities, and communities seem more alive, busy, safer, and make them more appealing when looking for places to settle down.    

To make things more fun, add music. Music can make a harder activity seem easier and more satisfying. Find a friend and buddy up. Performing physical activity with a friend helps give you extra motivation. Research shows that individuals are actually five times more likely to perform exercises when with someone else. This could be someone with two legs, four legs, or even no legs at all.  

Try different activities other than just walking. This could be yoga, spin classes, or other group activities. Go on a bike ride or a hike with some friends. The main goal is boredom prevention, so make the activities something you will enjoy.  

Important Dates: March 26th-May 20th, 2023 

Link to Website: https://www.walkkansas.org/ 

Cost: $10