Walk to Health encourages healthier lifestyles, exercise

    Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department’s Walk to Health program kicks off Monday, April 5.  
    The free walking program will last for 12 weeks and is open to residents of all ages in the SWNPHD nine-county service area, which includes Chase County.
     “The Walk to Health program is a great way to increase your physical activity,” said Joy Trail, Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department (SWNPHD) program manager.  
    “Walking is easy and has many benefits, like better mood, better health now and later in life and can be done alone or with friends,” she said.
     Through a Community Hospital of McCook grant, Walk to Health is partnering with MoveSpring, a fun and easy-to-use wellness platform.  Participants can use the web or mobile app to create an account and connect a device for tracking, recognition and encouragement.
     To register, go to http://app.movespring.com or download MoveSpring from the App Store or Google Play. Use organization code WALK2H to create an account.  
    Participants can register as a team of two to 10 people, or as an individual. They will be able to connect a fitness device to track activity automatically, or can manually enter their daily exercise.
    Instructions are available on the SWNPHD website: swhealth.ne.gov.
     Those not wanting to use the app can register by calling 308-345-4223 or stop in at the SWNPHD office in McCook.  Information can also be faxed to 308-345-4289 or email: info@swhealth.ne.gov.
    Trail said everyone who completes the 12-week challenge and fills out a survey will receive a free Walk to Health t-shirt.
    “Teams have fun competing against each other or going for the most steps, and the top individual and top team receive a prize,” she said.