Health Hints
Get moving with "Step Up, Florida!"
by Deborah Maqueira, Health Educator, Washington County Health Department
Over the last 25 years, studies have repeatedly shown that everyone benefits from physical activity. Yet over half the residents of Florida do not get enough exercise.
One of the easiest ways to become more physically active is by increasing the number of steps walked each day. Inexpensive pedometers are widely available to count your daily steps. Many experts recommend 10,000 steps per day for adults.
This number is representative of an active lifestyle. However, people trying to lose weight should add a few thousand steps to that number. On the other hand, individuals who are aged, sedentary, or who have a chronic disease may not be able to achieve that number but can still increase daily steps to improve their fitness level.
Do you need help adding extra steps to your day? "Step Up, Florida!," a statewide initiative to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles to Florida’s citizens and visitors is coming to your area. "Step Up, Florida!" events will be held in February in all 67 Florida Counties. Below are times and locations of "Step Up, Florida!" events in Calhoun, Holmes, Jackson and Washington Counties. You also can learn more on the Florida Department of Health’s Web site at www.doh.state.fl.us.
Holmes County Sat., Feb. 5, Starting at 8 a.m.
Group I – Horseback riders, Walton County line at Argyle
Group II – Walkers, Ponce de Leon City Hall
Group III – Walkers, Bowman’s Feed Store at the Holmes County line.
Pre-registration required. Closing ceremony at noon at the Bonifay Rec Center.
Call Holly Segers or Karen Johnson at 547-8500 for information.
Washington County Mon., Feb. 7, Shivers Park, Chipley 12 – 5 p.m.
Call Deborah Maqueira at 638-6240 for information.
Calhoun County Thurs., Feb. 10
Magnolia Square, Blountstown 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Call Susan at 674-5645 for information.
Jackson County Fri., Feb. 11.
Call 482-9862 for information.
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