UK Starts Moving
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LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 18, 2009) – University of Kentucky employees will have a
homework assignment this summer: get moving.
UK is issuing a “Start! Moving Summer Challenge” as a lighthearted way to encourage the university family to take advantage of the opportunities at their feet—the rolling hills and scenic pathways on campus.
Between now and August 14, participating employees, retirees, spouses and dependents will have an opportunity to track their progress online as they move more and take note of their nutrition.
Nearly 300 employees have signed up already, and about 100 of them came together for the program kickoff Wednesday and half-mile walk outside the William T. Young Library on the UK Campus. UK HealthCare and Lexington VA Medical Center cardiologist Susan Smyth, heart transplant recipient Murphey Coy and American Heart Association Central Kentucky executive director Joey Maggard offered encouraging words to the group. The inaugural walk literally paid off for some participants who won a variety of door prizes donated by area businesses.
The university joins other institutions and businesses in central Kentucky involved with the American Heart Association Start! program, which encourages employees to walk at work and improve their health through exercise and nutrition.
UK HealthCare is working closely with the American Heart Association to bring medical information and screenings to participants.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Kentucky. Along with smoking and family history, one of the major risk factors for heart attack and stroke is lack of physical activity. Kentucky ranks among the top 10 states with sedentary lifestyles.
Walking has been shown to help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, reduce stress and aid in weight loss.
UK is issuing a “Start! Moving Summer Challenge” as a lighthearted way to encourage the university family to take advantage of the opportunities at their feet—the rolling hills and scenic pathways on campus.
Between now and August 14, participating employees, retirees, spouses and dependents will have an opportunity to track their progress online as they move more and take note of their nutrition.
Nearly 300 employees have signed up already, and about 100 of them came together for the program kickoff Wednesday and half-mile walk outside the William T. Young Library on the UK Campus. UK HealthCare and Lexington VA Medical Center cardiologist Susan Smyth, heart transplant recipient Murphey Coy and American Heart Association Central Kentucky executive director Joey Maggard offered encouraging words to the group. The inaugural walk literally paid off for some participants who won a variety of door prizes donated by area businesses.
The university joins other institutions and businesses in central Kentucky involved with the American Heart Association Start! program, which encourages employees to walk at work and improve their health through exercise and nutrition.
UK HealthCare is working closely with the American Heart Association to bring medical information and screenings to participants.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in Kentucky. Along with smoking and family history, one of the major risk factors for heart attack and stroke is lack of physical activity. Kentucky ranks among the top 10 states with sedentary lifestyles.
Walking has been shown to help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, reduce stress and aid in weight loss.