Moving Milestones: Walk Around Nevada Turns 20
Winter Issue
Looking to get more exercise this year? Are you up for a stroll? Walk Around Nevada might be just the thing for you!
Get Healthy Clark County, an initiative of the Southern Nevada Health District, has a series of programs that help residents stay healthy by eating better, getting more physical activity and quitting smoking. Walk Around Nevada, one of the programs, gets participants moving with a challenge to walk 1,442 miles, equivalent to the distance around the state of Nevada. But there’s no need to pack for a long road trip: participants can download an app to log miles doing any walking, running, hiking or other exercise of their choice, any time. We spoke with Mindy Meacham, the Walk Around Nevada coordinator, about some program highlights and history.
Perspective:
We understand Walk Around Nevada is celebrating a big anniversary this year?
Mindy
Walk Around Nevada was launched in 2005. This year is the 20th anniversary of the program!
Perspective:
How many people have participated in the challenge?
Mindy
The program has registered about 12,000 people over the past 20 years.
Perspective:
How many people have completed the full challenge to “Walk Around Nevada?”
Mindy
To date, about 300 participants have walked at least 1,442 miles, or one “lap” around Nevada. That’s equal to 1,200 “laps” or more than one million miles!
Perspective:
What is the all-time distance record?
Mindy
Many participants have been consistently using our program to track their progress for decades. One participant recently completed his 62nd lap around Nevada. This means he has walked and tracked almost 90,000 miles.
Perspective:
Are there any other interesting facts about the program you think people would like to know?
Mindy
The program not only helps you keep track of your miles or steps of physical activity but also provides interesting facts and information about the great state of Nevada. As miles or steps are entered, participants can track their progress and virtually arrive at different destinations around the state. Each destination provides historical facts and stories about the destination, as well as helpful tips and tricks to encourage healthy behaviors.
A big part of the program is celebrating the success of each program participant. Participants often share how the program helped them become more consistent in getting their daily activity and how it has helped them control their chronic conditions or their weight. We often hear from participants about how the program has become a regular part of their daily routine, helping them reach their health goals.
You can download the Walk Around Nevada app on the Apple App Store, the Google Play Store, or at Get Healthy Clark County – Walk Around Nevada.
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