News Column

Step into Fitness for a Healthier You!

Fit Youth Initiative of Tuscarawas County invites the community to sign up for its second annual Footsteps to Fitness Summer Walking Program. Make a commitment to regular walking and earn rewards along the way.

Walkers of any age (3 years and up) can sign up! Visit the Tuscarawas County office of Ohio State University Extension, the Tuscarawas County Health Department, Buehler’s Parkside in Dover, Dover and Twin City YMCAs, or Super Fitness to get started beginning May 1. There is a $5 fee for individuals, $10 for families. Active participants will earn foot charms to collect on a chain necklace as the hours add up. Those who walk for at least 30 hours will earn a t-shirt.

Organized by OSU Extension in Tuscarawas County, Fit Youth Initiative (FYI) is a coalition that was formed to address the childhood overweight concern in our community. FYI has 28 members, including educators, physicians, nurses, dietitians, and parents, who represent area schools and hospitals, Tuscarawas County Health Department, WIC, Dairy Farmers Association, Tuscarawas-Carroll-Harrison Educational Service Center, Norma Johnson Center, Buehler’s, YMCA, Super Fitness, and the American Cancer Society. FYI’s mission is to improve the health of children and their families through the promotion of healthy weight and fitness.

Regular physical activity has not only been shown to reduce the risk for numerous chronic diseases such as heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis, but it is also a key factor in achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight for adults and children. The current Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend at least 60 minutes of physical activity for children and adolescents on most days of the week. To reduce chronic disease risk in adulthood, a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity, above one’s usual activity, is recommended on most days of the week.

So many of us have good intentions to get more active, but there are always too many reasons to never get started. Whether we are thin, heavy, or in-between, we ALL need to be physically active to lead a healthy and energetic life. Take a step in the right direction and steps toward a healthier community by participating in the Footsteps to Fitness program this summer.

For more information, contact the Tuscarawas County office of Ohio State University Extension at 330-339-2337.