April 15, 2019
NORTON, Kan. – Many staff with the Norton County Hospital, Norton Medical Clinic and Norton Regional Health Foundation are among individuals and groups across the state of Kansas and nationally who will participate in National Walk @ Lunch Day® on Wednesday, April 24th.
National Walk @ Lunch Day encourages people to take a walk during their lunch break and start a healthy routine. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and its employees will be hosting organized walks in 11 locations across the state. Although Norton is not one of the designated locations, the hospital, clinic, and foundation are organizing a walk of their own in Norton and encourage other local workers, elected officials, community leaders, and the public to join the effort.
According to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, “the path to better health begins with just one step” to start a regular walking program. Walking is one of the easiest and most effective forms of exercise. A brisk, 30-minute walk five times a week can:
A person doesn’t have to be a power walker to receive the health benefits of walking. It is just important to move and eventually make walking a regular part of daily activity.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas’ organized walks April 24th are in the following cities: Dodge City, Garden City, Hays, Hutchinson, Independence, Lawrence, Manhattan, Pittsburg, Salina, Topeka and Wichita.
In Norton, groups will meet at the entrance of Norton Medical Clinic at 11:30 a.m. to take a 30-minute walk to downtown Norton and back to the clinic. Another walk will be organized starting at the clinic entrance at 2:30 p.m. to ensure staff have an opportunity to participate. Community members are welcome to join staff in these walks if they wish; simply show up wearing comfortable shoes at the time of your choice.
Those who decide to participate with other employers or as individuals are encouraged to share photos and videos of their walks on social media. Be sure to use the hashtag #NWLDKS for National Walk @ Lunch Day – Kansas and #NTCOWALKS for those walking in and around Norton County.
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