STUDENTS TO WALK AROUND KNOX COUNTY

Galesburg, IL – The Knox County Health Department announced today that four schools will be participating in “Walk Around Knox County” a program meant to promote healthy lifestyles among youth. Silas Willard, ROWVA West, and Galesburg Christian School 4th Grade elementary students will be participating in this program which encourages physical activity by keeping track of the number of steps they make each day. Students will be asked to log their total number of steps each night; the end goal is for these students to walk around the perimeter of Knox County (112 miles) within a 30-day timeframe. Each student will be given two pedometers – one for themselves and one for their parent or guardian. The program focuses on increasing physical activity among the youth and their parents. It also encourages communication and bonding between parents and their children while bringing an element of fun into their lives.

According to data collected from the 2005 Knox County Behavior Risk Factor Survey, nearly 50 percent of Knox County Citizens are considered overweight or obese. Childhood obesity is the fastest growing disease in America and the most common health problem facing children today, mainly due to decreased physical activity and poor eating habits. “Physical activity builds a great foundation for a healthy life. Physical activity helps control weight, builds strong bones and lean muscle and reduces body fat. By being active, children will have better overall health, higher self-esteem and confidence, as well as decreased stress and anxiety levels,” states Carrie Neff Andrews, Director of Health Education and Promotion at the Knox County Health Department. “Children who lead active lifestyles are also more likely to remain active as adults and pass on their healthy lifestyle habits to their own children, ultimately reducing childhood and adult obesity rates.”

            Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the Galesburg Community and Health Foundation. For more information about the Walk Around Knox County Program, call the Knox County Health Department at (309) 344-2224.