Let Purdue Extension help you ‘Get WalkIN’’

Are you ready to get moving, improve your health and enjoy life more?

Get WalkIN’ is a free email-based walking program being offered through Purdue Extension in Putnam County. Participants can sign up, walk on their own and receive emailed support and information. It is designed to encourage individuals to learn more about the health benefits of walking and encourage individuals to get moving.

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 being 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, doesn’t 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, local economies and reducing air pollution.

Do you know that you need to get more active but lack the initiative to get started? Do you make excuses like “I do not have time,” “I don’t want to walk alone” or “Where would I walk?” Have you started to walk and lost interest or motivation? Get WalkIN’ is just for you! You will receive emails that provide encouragement and motivation, provide information about health and wellness and more! Participants will be asked to complete two short online surveys.

For more details and to register, contact Abbi Sampson (sampsona@purdue.edu or 653-8411). Before you know it, you will be walking, feeling better, having more energy and have a new healthy habit.

Register by June 4.

Visit www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or 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. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. All times listed are Eastern Time.

Upcoming Events

June 4 – Deadline to register for Get WalkIN’, register by emailing sampsona@purdue.edu

June 4 – Best Practices for Backyard Chickens – Keeping Your Birds Safe, 1 p.m., register at https://tinyurl.com/bestchickens

June 4 – Food and Gardening Series – Growing Herbs, 2 p.m., view on Purdue Extension-Putnam County Facebook page

June 9 – Becoming the Employer of Choice virtual course starts, 9:30-11:30 a.m., $40, register at http://www.cvent.com/d/cnqg7l by June 2

June 11 – Healthy Ponds: Fixing a “Broken” Lake, 1 p.m., register at https://tinyurl.com/healthyponds

June 11 – Food and Gardening Series – Adding Herbs Into Your Diet, 2 p.m., view on Purdue Extension-Putnam County Facebook page

June 18 – Healthy Ponds: Pond Construction, Vegetation and Stocking, 1 p.m., register at https://tinyurl.com/healthyponds

June 18 – Food and Gardening Series – Growing Berries, 2 p.m., view on Purdue Extension-Putnam County Facebook page

June 25 – Food and Gardening Series – Adding Berries Into Your Diet, 2 p.m., view on Purdue Extension-Putnam County Facebook page

July 1 – 4-H Livestock enrollment deadline

July 2 – Food and Gardening Series – Growing Tomatoes, 2 p.m., view on Purdue Extension-Putnam County Facebook page

July 9 – Food and Gardening Series – Adding Tomatoes Into Your Diet, 2 p.m., view on Purdue Extension-Putnam County Facebook page