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• Introduction

Parents Place : Introduction

Be proud!

Your child is taking steps to better health with BlueCross WalkingWorks for Schools!

But what is it?

BlueCross WalkingWorks for Schools is an in-school walking program created to teach children in grades K-5 the benefits of proper exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle and to curb the growing trend of childhood obesity. Students walk (with their teachers) at least five minutes each school day for 12 weeks each semester. By the end of the semester, they will have walked about 15 miles!

Why is this program important? Consider the facts.

• An estimated 19 to 30 percent of Tennessee school students are overweight.
• By increasing their activity level, students can improve their health and performance in the classroom.
• Research shows that physical activity at school may help enhance learning readiness, increase concentration and reduce disruptive behaviors.

It's simple. It's easy. It's free!

BlueCross WalkingWorks for Schools measures walking in minutes - not steps or distance. Walking requires only a pair of comfortable shoes, a place to walk and a few minutes each day. If a child is unable to walk, his or her presence with the class is considered participation.

Here's how you can help:

• Support your child's active participation. Encourage daily walking.
• Take walks together at home.
• Track your time spent walking with a home walking log. (You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this file. Download for free at Adobe's site.)
• Work walking into your daily routine and learn more about nutrition.

© 2005 BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Inc., an Independent Licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association.

® Registered marks of the BlueCross BlueShield Association, an Association of Independent BlueCross BlueShield Plans. BlueCross WalkingWorks for Schools was developed by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Health, in partnership with the Tennessee Department of Education, the Tennessee Department of Health, and the Tennessee Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.