Walking trails included in Walk to Health kickoff

McCook-Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department will kick off its annual Walk to Health walking program at the walking trails in McCook on June 1 and in Wauneta on June 2.

Additionally, Cambridge will kick off on May 30 at the women's health fair.

The Walk to Health program provides a T-shirt, walking journal and a pedometer to all participants.

There is no cost for the program. Participants will take a "virtual" tour of "Walking across Southwest Nebraska" by tracking the number of steps/miles they have taken to reach their chosen destination in Southwest Nebraska.

The virtual tour has 19 destinations with 38 towns. Individuals will use the virtual tour to accomplish their goal of steps/miles per day. Information will be distributed throughout the program to include free fitness and nutrition handouts.

The Walk to Health program will continue through Aug. 31.

"The walking trails and the Walk to Health program were developed at approximately the same time. Both the McCook and Wauneta trails were developed in part through a collaborative effort which included Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department. Having the kickoff at the trails is a great opportunity to showcase the walking opportunities in these communities," said Myra Stoney, Director of Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department.

The Wauneta Walking trail is located in the city park and is four tenths of a mile long. It has five exercise stations on the trail to include high bar, body curl, push up station, a sit-up station and stretching station.

The McCook Walking trail -- Phase 1 is located off East H Street near the hospital and extends to Kelley Park. It is two thirds of a mile long and includes 11 exercise stations, with three additional stations to be installed at a later date.

Health department staff will be available during the kick off to answer questions about the exercise stations located on the trails.

* Cambridge kickoff -- May 30, 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the women's health fair located at Heritage Plaza.

* McCook kickoff --June 1, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Kelley Park lower shelter.

* Wauneta kickoff -- June 2, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the picnic shelter in the park.

Persons interested in participating in the Walk to Health program may call the health department to sign up or register online.

Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department is located at 322 Norris Avenue Suite No. 8 McCook, 308-345-4223 or 510 West 12th Imperial, 308-882-4269. www.swhealthdept.com.

Get moving, track steps throughout Southwest Nebraska, and HAVE SOME FUN IN THE SUN during the three months of the Walk to Health program!