The Casey County Extension Family & Consumer Sciences P.A.W.S. (Physical Activity With Soul) program just completed their first Activity Challenge.  Three adults, one youth and two canines participated in a 3.2 mile nature hike at Lake Cumberland State Park.  Participants reported they would be adding more nature hikes to their physical activity utilizing state, local and national parks.  They also reported a reduction in stress and an overall sense of well-being as a result of participating in the P.A.W.S. Activity Challenge.

The P.A.W.S. program utilizes the bond between dogs and their owners as a positive motivation to encourage an increase in physical activity to improve overall health & wellbeing to create a lasting healthy lifestyle. 

Participants keep a daily log of their Physical Activity Minutes (PAMs) and set personal health goals such as increasing water, fruit and vegetable consumption, increase in stress reduction activities, increase in walking or other physical activities, etc.  Health and wellness educational information is shared throughout the program addressing food, nutrition, foot care, etc.  

Monthly Activity Challenges are part of the program to encourage positive new or additional physical activity experiences.   Monthly canine training is provided by professional trainers to ensure participants utilize proper leash and basic canine training techniques for good dog behavior and positive bonding experiences.

P.A.W.S. will continue to offer monthly Activity Challenges, trainings, educational information and track positive lifestyle changes as participants continue to engage in the program.