CHIP’s annual Walktober program has encouraged people to get out and walk many different ways – one was to have local celebrities lead walks through downtown Lawrence.  Pictured is former KU football coach Don Fambrough who enticed some of his former players and families to walk with him.

By far, the focus is on encouraging young people to leave behind the computer games and TV watching and be active outside of their school day. This is done with our academic-year-long Get Moving! program.

The Get Moving! program

The Get Moving! program began in the Lawrence school district in1999 at Wakarusa Valley Elementary School. It was expanded to all Lawrence public elementary schools in 2001 when CHIP and Lawrence Parks and Recreation became involved. Eudora Schools began participating in 2005 with Baldwin City and Lawrence Catholic Schools joining in 2006. Veritas Christian School was added in 2007 as was additional program partner Royal Crest Lanes.

Why are we doing this?

2008 marked the first time the Get Moving! end-of-the-year pool party moved to the Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center.  Seen here, some of the students and parents who came out despite cloudy and overcast skies.

One of the many reasons this is an important endeavor for students and their families is the declining overall health and fitness in America. According to Centers for Disease Control's report on nutrition and physical activity,childhood obesity has tripled since 1980 with currently 9 million American children overweight enough to endanger their health, and an additional 5 million nearing that point.

Also according to CDC, 61% of overweight 5 to 10-year olds already have risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. In addition, children who are overweight are at greater risk for bone and joint problems, sleep apnea and poor self-esteem. Even if these diseases do not affect children in childhood, it is nearly certain that health problems will follow them into adulthood if not addressed now.

How does the program work?

Children pick up Get Moving! card from their PE teacher. Physical activity after school is recorded in 30-minute blocks of time. For younger children, periods of activity may be added together to equal 30 minutes. Children earn extra points for involving a buddy -- be it a family member or friend -- in their activity. Children should record the days they eat five fruit and vegetables as part of their diet.

Children turn in a completed activity card to the PE teacher once it has been signed by a parent or guardian. Toe tokens (colorful "feet" to attach to shoe laces or chains) are awarded for each of the first three cards. A free-admission pool pass (to Lawrence Indoor or Outdoor Aquatic Center) or bowling lane pass is awarded when turning in the fourth card. The pool passes are compliments of Lawrence Parks and Recreation and bowling passes from Lawrence’s Royal Crest Lanes.

Once the free-admission pass has been earned, children start over earning toe tokens.

At the end of the school year, all of the participants who have turned in a minimum of 3 cards are invited to a pool party at the Lawrence Outdoor Aquatic Center in early June.

For more information on the program, please contact your child's P.E. teacher or the CHIP staff at 785.843.3060.

Lawrence community members participating in the Walktober program were asked to submit photos taken during on of their 31-derful walks.  These individuals gathered some 4-legged friends to also enjoy their walk.

WALKTOBER

In addition, CHIP works with Lawrence Memorial Hospital to encourage residents of all ages to get out and walk for physical fitness through its Walktober program. CHIP developed "31-derful" walks throughout Douglas County for people to follow of a mile or more in the month of October. This is done in the fall because October is National Walking Month. In the first two years, CHIP and LMH partnered with Downtown Lawrence, Inc., for Walktober to encourage people to take walks in and around Massachusetts Street in Lawrence to enjoy the scenic views and historic nature of downtown.

Two youngsters experiment with a different way to play “catch” by using two plastic milk jugs and a ball made out of yard.

This past year, scenic walks were mapped in Baldwin City and Eudora and distributed in the packets people receive when they register for the no-cost program.

CHIP/WIC Activity Day

The CHIP program has partnered with the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Departments WIC program (Women, Infants, and Children) each Fall on an activity day with low-cost and no-cost ideas for parents to be physically active and encourage their children to be as well.  WIC program participants are invited to attend and learn about healthy snacks for children and experience opportunities to practice a new spin on an old game.

CHIP Leadership Group members Dan Partridge and Judy Bellome, CHIP Executive Director Janelle Martin and KDHE Secretary Rod Bremby survey the situation before the CHIP float starts down the street in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

WALK KANSAS

CHIP also has partnered with K-State Research & Extension to promote Walk Kansas, an 8-week walking program in the spring. Residents are encouraged to form teams of 4-6 people and keep track of their walking mileage, report it weekly, and then track their progress as they "walk across Kansas."

CHIP’s float entry even had a “stand in” for the Governor highlighting the Walk Kansas program and the importance of being active.

Click here for a list of physical activity opportunities in Douglas County.