Incorporating physical activity into your everyday routine is important for good health. Physical activity helps weight management, reduces risk of cardiovascular disease, and strengthens bones (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015).

Oftentimes when individuals think of physical activity our minds automatically think of running and/or jogging. However, did you know that walking produces some of the same benefits as running and/or jogging?

The American Heart Association reports walking briskly can lower your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, just as much as running. In fact, research conducted at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Life Science Division in Berkley, Calif., concluded that the same energy used for moderate-intensity walking and vigorous-intensity running resulted in similar reductions in risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and possibly coronary heart disease over the study’s six years.

This correlates with the Center of Disease Control and Prevention recommendations stating adults need at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise (or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity). Thirty minutes a day, five times a week is an easy goal to remember. As means of providing an outlet for physical activity the Purdue Extension Putnam County office and Putnam County Hospital have teamed up to launch the fourth annual Women Walk Putnam County.

Women Walk Putnam County is a program geared toward women in Putnam County. The group will meet every Wednesday at 8 a.m. for a 30-minute walk at a new venue every week. Goals will be set and healthy challenges will be made as the program progresses.

To kick off the program the annual luncheon is scheduled for noon Tuesday, Aug. 28 at Putnam County Hospital. At the luncheon, participants will receive their walking calendar, pedometers and other pertinent information.

The luncheon and program are free of charge. However, you must RSVP for the luncheon by contacting Jennifer Cannon, 653-8411, no later than Aug. 25.

While the Women Walk Putnam County program is tailored to women, everyone is encouraged to stay connected with the Purdue Extension Office. Several upcoming health programs are geared toward individuals and families, including Healthy Cooking 101, Dining with Diabetes, Where Does Your Money Go and much more.

Visit  www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam  or contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 653-8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee.

Upcoming Events

Aug. 4-20 — Indiana State Fair.

Aug. 24 — Indiana Extension Homemakers Leader Lesson, 2 p.m., Extension Office.

Aug. 29 — Women Walk Putnam County Luncheon, Putnam County Hospital (registration required by Aug. 23).

Sept. 4 — Labor Day, office closed.