Clark County Residents Urged to Walk Around Nevada

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 26, 2006

LAS VEGAS – June 26, 2006 – The Southern Nevada Health District has launched the Walk Around Nevada Program, a free online walking program designed to help participants increase their daily physical activity.

Participants can register for the program at www.gethealthyclarkcounty.org.

“Just half of adults in Nevada meet moderate physical activity guidelines and more than 48 percent of middle and high school students spend three hours a day or more in sedentary activities,” said Dr. Donald Kwalick, chief health officer of the Southern Nevada Health District.

“A report released by the Office of the Surgeon General found that even a small increase in daily physical activity can lead to improvements in health and quality of life,” said Kwalick.

Physical activity is an important factor in improving and maintaining health. Regular exercise helps reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity.

The Walk Around Nevada program allows participants to track their physical activity each day. The site includes a conversion chart for activities such as biking, cleaning house, yoga and swimming. Participants are eligible for random prize drawings.

Physical Activity Recommendations
People of all ages can benefit from physical activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has outlined specific recommendations for different age groups:

Children and Adolescents
It is recommended that children and adolescents participate in at least 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity most days of the week, preferably on a daily basis.

Adults
All adults should engage in moderate-intensity physical activity for at least 30 minutes on five or more days a week. Additionally, adults should engage in 20 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity three or more days per week.

Older Adults
Older adults should also engage in moderate-intensity physical activity for 30 minutes on five or more days per week. Older adults should include aerobic, endurance, strength, balance and flexibility exercises in their physical activity routine.

(Note: During moderate physical activity individuals should be able to carry on a conversation comfortably while engaging in the activity.)

For more information about the Walk Around Nevada Program, or other health promotion programs offered by the health district, access the Get Healthy Clark County website at www.gethealthyclarkcounty.org or call the Office of Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion at 759-1270.

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The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.