SAN ANTONIO — Walk Across Texas, San Antonio Style! That’s what various local agencies are promoting at a conference scheduled for Friday, Oct. 25, at the Texas Engineering Extension Service building, 600 Hemisfair Plaza, Building 277.
“When you walk you feel better, have more energy and you are healthier,” said Dr. Elaine Fries, a family and consumer science agent with Texas Cooperative Extension. And yet, she added, 22 percent of San Antonio residents report being physically inactive and 54 percent do not get enough exercise each week, according to a 1998 Bexar County community health assessment.
The conference will run from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is aimed at any organization interested in starting a walking program. Participants will learn how various programs are structured, how to start a new program and how to join existing ones. Registration is $20 and includes lunch and participant materials.
Dr. Carol Rice, associate professor and Extension health specialist at College Station, will open the conference by presenting current research on the health benefits gained by participating in walking programs. Other sessions include information on environmental concerns while walking, making walking a family activity, what to consider if you have pre-existing health conditions, safety and neighborhood concerns and senior citizens in walking programs.
Also scheduled is a program highlight from Walk El Paso and discussions of various program opportunities such as Walk Across Texas, Walk San Antonio, and Walk Texas.
Partners in the conference include the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, Bexar County Community Health Collaborative, Prairie View A&M Cooperative Extension Program, Texas Cooperative Extension, Texas Department of Health and Walk San Antonio.
For registration and parking information, contact Fries at (210) 467-6575.
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