Walking can serve many purposes

Walking is a popular form of physical activity — and good for your health.

Only half of all American adults get the recommended amount of physical activity. Lack of physical activity is directly related to the occurrence of adult obesity and overweight. Regular physical activity can lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, depression and falls in older adults. Walking is an excellent way for most people to increase their physical activity. It is an easy way to start and maintain a physically active lifestyle.

Walking is accessible to almost anyone, and does not require specific skills or abilities to perform, can be performed alone or with others, and is adaptable (i.e., can be performed at any chosen intensity, and is inexpensive).

Walking can serve many purposes. It can be a way to exercise, have fun, or get to school, work, or other nearby destinations. Importantly, making walking easier can help communities by improving safety, social cohesion, and local economies and reducing air pollution.

In efforts of making Putnam County a healthy community, I would like to introduce a new program titled Get WalkIN.

Get WalkIN is a free e-mail-based walking program being offered through Purdue Extension in Putnam County. Participants can sign up, walk on their own and receive e-mailed support and information.

It is designed to encourage individuals to learn more about the health benefits of walking and encourage individuals to get moving. You will receive e-mails that provide encouragement, motivation, and information about health and wellness and more. Participants will be asked to complete two short online surveys. Registration deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 11. Participants may register by calling the Purdue Extension office at 653-8411 or e-mail Jennifer Cannon at Cannon16@purdue.edu. The program will last for 12 weeks, and participants will receive weekly e-mails with information.

Visit www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 653-8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee.

Upcoming events

Oct. 4 – Boiler Bridge, Cloverdale High School, 7 p.m.

Oct. 10 -- Columbus Day, office closed.

Oct. 17 -- Extension Homemakers Week.