FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 4, 2008
Contact: Dave Wellman, Director of Communications (304) 696-7153
 

Marshall to kick off campus WALKITUP! campaign Tuesday, April 8

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. – Marshall University has joined the Cabell-Huntington Health Department in a community-wide program to help reduce the area’s obesity rate.   The health department recently announced the WALKITUP! campaign, which is an effort to encourage residents to start a six-week walking program.

Marshall kicks off its campus campaign with a one-mile walk at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, beginning at the Memorial Student Center plaza.

“Maintaining a daily regimen of physical exercise, like walking, has many health and life benefits. Walking just 20 to 30 minutes a day can help relieve stress, improve weight management and lower the likelihood of developing chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity and heart disease –  diseases known to be associated with sedentary lifestyles,” said Marshall University President Stephen J. Kopp, who will lead Marshall’s campus walk.   “I am excited to participate in this one-mile walk around campus to help encourage our faculty, staff and students to begin their own daily routine of exercise.”

Dr. Shortie McKinney, dean of the College of Health Professions, said her department began working with the health department last year on developing an area-wide campaign to encourage daily physical activity.

“This campaign is the result of many hours of commitment by the health professionals at the health department, Marshall University and many other community organizations.  This is a good way for everyone to increase their level of physical activity,” McKinney said.

“We are proud to partner with Marshall University in the effort to raise awareness of the importance of physical activity,” said Elizabeth Ayers with the Cabell Huntington Health Department.

Ayers said anyone interested in pre-registering for the Marshall University walk may do so by logging on to www.walkitup.org.

Event organizers said giveaways, including t-shirts, will be available the day of the walk at Marshall for registered participants. Registration is available on site the day of the walk.

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