Shelia Lewis: Smith County Extension

It's time to start looking for those walking shoes, rounding up eight team members and charting the course for the most possible miles. That's right. It's time to Walk Across Texas.

Walk Across Texas is an eight-week program that will spark some friendly competitions in Smith County. Teams of eight will compete to see who can log the most miles walking, jogging, or even biking. The first day to start walking is Sunday, April 13.

Once you have eight team members and have designated a team captain and team name, you can obtain a Walk Across Texas information packet one of two ways. It can be downloaded by going to http://walkacrosstexas.tamu.edu; then under Quick Links, click on Team Captains and a screen will come up with printable forms for your team information packet.

The second option for obtaining an information packet is to come by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service office at 1517 W. Front St., No. 116, anytime between 8 a.m.-noon or 1-5 p.m.

Once you have obtained your packet, complete the team registration form (one per team) and return it to the Extension office by mailing or faxing it to 903-590-2984.

Team captains can now log their team's mileage on the Walk Across Texas Web site: walkacrosstexas.tamu.edu and see how their team measures up against the other teams.

BENEFITS TO EXERCISE

Many people are unaware of the positive benefits of exercise. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the No. 1 problem in the United States. The risk of heart disease could be significantly reduced by regular exercise.

According to the Texas Department of Health, the positive effects of physical activity are not limited to lowering the risk of heart disease.

Not only does regular exercise help relieve stress and anxiety, "physically active people outlive inactive people," a Texas Department of Health report stated.

By participating in Walk Across Texas you can have fun and start a healthy habit. The last day to walk will be June 7. For more information about Walk Across Texas, give us a call at 903-590-2980.

Shelia Lewis is a Smith County Extension agent in family and consumer sciences. She can be reached at sk-lewis@tamu.edu. This column on family and consumer education news appears in the Thursday Community section of the Tyler Morning Telegraph.

Shelia Lewis
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