MANHATTAN, Kan. – Spring is near and Sharolyn Jackson is hoping that means Kansans are eager to stop hibernating and get moving.

Jackson, a K-State Research and Extension family and consumer science specialist, is the coordinator of the Walk Kansas program, which runs March 18 to May 12, 2018.

This year for the first time, participants will learn about the 8 Wonders of Kansas as they log the minutes they’ve walked each week.

The 8 Wonders include such places as the Kansas Cosmosphere, Monument Rock and Castle Rocks, and the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and the Flint Hills. These places were identified through a contest series organized by the Kansas Sampler Foundation to inspire awareness of the beauty and value in Kansas, and to encourage travel.

Walk Kansas participants don’t actually walk to those places, but as they log the minutes online that they’ve walked in their own neighborhoods, they learn about those iconic sites around Kansas.

“The program is for all fitness levels,” said Jackson. “Whether you never walk around the block or your idea of a great afternoon is a three-mile hike, this program helps you work toward or maintain a healthy lifestyle. Plus, it can connect you with friends, colleagues at work, or family members as you log miles as part of a six-person team.”

Walk Kansas is supported by many K-State Research and Extension offices around the state. The cost for most participants is $10 or less.

Since the launch of Walk Kansas in 2001, thousands of Kansans have walked millions of miles at almost no cost, but the benefits are huge, Jackson said, adding that study after study has shown that walking and other forms of moderate exercise can cut rates of heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease by at least 40 percent. After eight weeks, many participants say they sleep better and have more energy, endurance, muscle strength, and flexibility.

And it’s not just about walking. Through the eight weeks, participants receive a weekly e-newsletter with tips on healthy eating, strength training, mental and physical well-being and recipes. The Walk Kansas website has information about converting such activities as swimming, bicycling and dancing to miles, for those who prefer other activities to walking.

The idea is just to get moving and keep moving, Jackson said.

Participants are on six-member teams. Most people form their own teams with family, friends, neighbors or work colleagues. Have a sister in Idaho who wants to be on your team? No problem. Don’t know anyone else who wants to be on a team? Individuals can be assigned to an existing team. Teammates do not have to walk together, but are encouraged to connect and support each other.

Participants log the number of minutes they walk every week. Other activities, including strengthening exercises, yoga, bicycling, team sports and others, also count.

State of Kansas employees can earn four Health Quest credits for participating in the program.

More information is available at www.walkkansas.org or the Frontier Extension office, at Lyndon.