Walk Texas

Walk Texas! is a community-based program whose mission is to promote the health of Texans by increasing awareness and opportunities for individuals to engage in regular physical activity, including walking. Developed by the Texas Department of Health (currently DSHS) Diabetes Program/Council; The University of Texas at Austin ; and the University o... f Texas-Houston School of Public Health , Walk Texas! promotes walking as a way to help prevent or manage a variety of chronic diseases, including diabetes. Walking is one of the safest and most "natural" forms of exercise. However, many types of physical activity can produce significant health benefits. Walk Texas! supports all efforts to increase awareness and opportunities for Texans to engage in regular physical activity. The primary target population for Walk Texas! includes adults aged 50 and older who are diagnosed or at risk for Type 2 diabetes . Type 2 diabetes, also called adult-onset diabetes, most often occurs in adults over the age of 40, especially those who are obese. Physical activity and a healthy meal plan emphasizing weight loss are the cornerstones for treatment of Type 2 diabetes. To accomplish its goals , Walk Texas! targets families and other members of the community as well. Walk Texas! utilizes a community-based approach aimed at reducing exercise-related risk factors associated with Type 2 diabetes by changing behaviors, policies, and environments of whole populations. Because many of the modifiable risk factors associated with Type 2 diabetes are also linked to cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death and disability in the United States, this program is suitable for other organizations developing or expanding a walking program . Walk Texas! issues a challenge for all Texans to walk regularly , keep track of their progress, and accumulate miles equal to "walking across the state."Read More