Walk n' Roll School Days

Walk to School Day

October 3, 2007

Free, convenient, enjoyable and does not require special equipment or training: Walking is a great way for adults and kids to be active. Lack of physical activity is a major cause of chronic illness and death for our country’s adults. Being overweight can cause health problems like diabetes during childhood and research shows that physically inactive kids are more likely to grow up to be physically inactive adults – and are therefore at high risk for obesity and related illnesses.

“Kids NEED TO MOVE!  The simplest, most user-friendly, and cost-effective means of achieving physical activity is WALKING.  Fun, easy to do, and free makes walking just about the best health bargain around, and just about everyone can do it.  And a great way to get kids walking is by walking to school,” said Dr. Ernest Hook, President of the California Podiatric Medical Association.

Obesity rates among children have more than doubled in the past twenty years, according to the National Longitudinal Study of Youth. Even worse, rates of obesity are much higher among minority children than among white youth, suggesting a serious lack in the availability of safe, healthy recreational opportunities in many communities.

Add walking to the mix. Physical activity recommendations for children suggest that they need a variety of activities each day-some intense, some less-so, some informal, some structured. Walking or cycling to and from school is an ideal way to get some of that activity at no extra cost to the child or family.

Each October, millions of children, parents, teachers, and community leaders across the globe walk to school to celebrate International Walk to School Day. This year communities can choose to celebrate for a day during International Walk to School Day on October 3; International Walk to School Week October 1-5; or the entire month of October with International Walk to School Month.

Sponsored by the US Department of Transportation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Partnership for a Walkable America (a national coalition working to improve the conditions for walking in America and to increase the number of Americans who walk regularly), Walk to School Day was established in the U.S. in 1997 with the purpose of promoting health, safety, physical activity and concern for the environment.  In 2000, the United States partnered with Canada and the United Kingdom to create International Walk to School Day.  In 2003, the event was expanded to International Walk to School Week, offering schools around the world the opportunity to increase their efforts, such as incorporating safety programs into classroom curriculum and hosting safety-themed events. In 2006 the entire month of October was named International Walk to School Month.

How to Participate:   Students are encouraged to walk for all or part of their way to school. If a student’s commute is too long or not pedestrian friendly they are encouraged to take a walk after lunch around the track or school grounds.

The Goal:  Add Healthy Steps to Your Day:  Walking for 30 to 60 minutes a day greatly reduces your risk of developing, and or dying from heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. By finding a way to make walking part of each day, like walking to school, you are giving yourself proven health benefits

Use a Pedometer:  To promote weight loss and prevent weight gain use a pedometer:  Studies have shown pedometers to be great motivators for both adults and children alike for logging steps (kids make a game of it). Experts say if we all added 2000 more steps to our day, we wouldn't gain another pound.

Shoes:

Walking shoes should be comfortable for walking for 30 -60 minutes at a stretch.

”Our aim is to have all Californians, especially kids, incorporate walking into their lives by making it a pleasure, not a chore. A walk can be an invigorating way to start the school or work day,” Dr. Hook concluded.

The California Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA) is the state’s leading professional medical organization for foot and ankle specialists and represents more than 1000 California doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs). Since 1912 CPMA has served the people of California by promoting the science and art of podiatric medicine, protecting the public health, and elevating the standards of medical education.

CPMA; Committed to keeping Californians on their Feet – Healthy, Active and Productive!