Walk Kansas 2020 will introduce you to nine shared lifestyle traits of the Blue Zones, places across the world where people live measurably longer and healthier lives.

Walk Kansas runs from March 15-May 9 and is a teambased, 8-week healthy lifestyle challenge facilitated by K-State Research and Extension.

Although physical activity is at the heart of this health initiative, the 2020 program will introduce you to healthful eating styles, help you form social connections that support healthy living, offer strategies to help lower your level of stress, help you focus on your sense of purpose, and more.

The great thing about Walk Kansas is that ANYONE can participate. My family has participated in this healthy living challenge for more than a decade. The majority of our team lives outside the Midway District, some even out of state. Technology, and perhaps some prodding by their fearless Team Captain, allowed our team to stay connected without living close to each other. All that matters is that we were and are there to support and encourage one another.

Start recruiting your Walk Kansas team now. Teams consist of six people with one member serving as the Team Captain. To participate, each team member logs minutes of activity and reports daily/weekly. Cups of fruits and vegetables and water consumption can also be tracked.

Registration will begin late February. Watch our Midway District Facebook page for more information on how to register.

Jessica Kootz is the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent in the Midway Extension District. For more information on this article or other Family and Consumer Sciences related questions, email Jessica at jessicak@ksu.edu or call a Midway Extension District office at (785) 472-4442 or (785) 483-3157.