According to studies by Harvard (2012) individuals can lower their risks for cardiovascular disease by 20% by walking 20 minutes 3 times per week.   This was the overall goal that the FCS encouraged during the Spring & Summer 2017 Walking Programs.  In March the Couch Potato program was introduced just as the weather started to get warmer.  12 individuals received the online couch potato program for 12 weeks, another 15 people received their newsletters in print.  As a part of the county potato program, 3 spring hikes were sponsored by the Extension Office.  These Saturday hikes were to locations within close driving distance of Rockcastle County and informed participants of local public areas for especially scenic hikes.  A total of 34 people attended the hikes. One of the participants related ”I am glad to know how to get to the falls, river walk and camp wildcat.  Now I can go back anytime I want.”  

      During the summer, our intern offered a week long walking program at Mt Vernon city park and Brodhead Park.  The walking times were at lunchtime and at 5:30pm to accommodate those working full time.   18 individuals participated in those walking programs.  The lunchtime group continued to meet an walk after the week long program was over.    As a result of the walking programs, hikes and coach potato program, participants reported 238 miles walked.  

One participant related on her evaluation, “the walking program has helped me to make friends that like to walk too.  That will help me in keeping my weight in check.”