South Dakota targets childhood obesity with Schools Walk


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SOUTH DAKOTA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
FOR RELEASE: September 8, 2003
CONTACT: Linda Ahrendt, Department of Health, 773-3737
Janet Ricketts, Department of Education, 773-3261

South Dakota targets childhood obesity with Schools Walk

     Schools from around the state are joining the fight against childhood obesity by participating in the new South Dakota Schools Walk program. The program motivates young people to increase their physical activity by including walking in their daily routine. It is sponsored by the Coordinated School Health Program in the Departments of Education and Health.

     “Schools Walk is designed to promote small changes, like walking to school, that students, teachers and parents can easily incorporate into their lifestyle to improve health,” said Janet Ricketts, Department of Education Co-Director, Coordinated School Health Program. 

     The program targets South Dakota's 3rd grade students but students of all ages can participate. Incentives are available for 3rd grade students and teachers who participate in the variety of activities offered through South Dakota Schools Walk. Schools can choose to:

  • host events during International Walk to School Week, October 6-10, to kick-off walking to school yearlong and raise awareness about the importance of walking and bicycling to school.   
  • participate in the one-day South Dakota Mile Walk, which brings 3rd grade families together to kick-off walking to school yearlong and raise awareness about the importance of physical activity.  
  • offer a weekly walking program called Wednesday Walks, where Wednesday is designated as the day to walk to school or to walk during school recesses.  

     “We also encourage community members to get involved by holding Wednesday Walks at their place of work or by joining children at the local school on Wednesdays,” said Linda Ahrendt, Department of Health Co-Director, Coordinated School Health Program. 

     To learn more about SD Schools Walk or the National Walk to School Day, visit the South Dakota Schools Walk web site at www.state.sd.us/doh/SchoolsWalk.