By KARA HAMMES, guest columnist

It probably comes as no surprise, but only half of all American adults get the recommended amount of physical activity.

While recommended amounts vary by age and other health conditions, the lack of physical activity is directly related to the occurrence of adult obesity and other health issues. Regular physical activity can lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, depression and falls in older adults.

Walking is a popular form of physical activity and is an easy way to start and maintain a physically active lifestyle.

There are many reasons why walking is such an excellent option for most people to increase their physical activity. Walking:

• is accessible to almost anyone;
• doesn’t require specific skills or abilities to perform;
• can be performed alone or with others;
• is adaptable (i.e. can be performed at any chosen intensity); and
• is inexpensive.

Walking can also serve many purposes beyond physical activity and increased health. Walking can also be a way to feel more energized; have fun; get social; and get to school, work, or other nearby destinations. Importantly, making walking easier can help communities by improving safety, social cohesion and local economies, and reducing air pollution.

And remember, walking isn’t just limited to sidewalks and paved trails! Luckily for us, the hiking options are almost endless in Brown County, which is home to the largest state park in Indiana, a state forest, part of a national forest, and several nature preserves. If you missed it when it was released last year, be sure to visit the online resource developed by the Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau, which can help you discover new trails to explore and narrow down which trails will work best for you. Check it out at browncounty.com/hiking-in-the-hills.

So, are you ready to get moving, improve your health and enjoy life more?

Do you know that you need to get more active but lack the initiative to get started?

Do you make excuses like, “I do not have time, I don’t want to walk alone, or where would I walk?”

Have you started to walk and lost interest or motivation?

If so, Get WalkIN’ — a free e-mail based walking program being offered through Purdue Extension in Brown County — is just for you!

Get WalkIN’ participants can sign up, walk on their own or in groups, and receive e-mailed support and information. It is designed to encourage individuals to learn more about the health benefits of walking and get moving.

You will receive 16 e-mails (two per week for the first month, and then one per week for the next eight weeks) that provide encouragement, motivation, information about health and wellness, and more.

Participants will be asked to complete two short online surveys.

The Brown County “Get WalkIN’” program will begin the week of March 23, so be sure to register by March 20 to participate.

For more details or to register, contact [email protected] or 812-988-5495.

Before you know it, you will be walking, feeling better, having more energy and developing a new healthy habit!

Kara Hammes is the Brown County Purdue Extension educator for Health & Human Sciences and Agriculture & Natural Resources. She can be reached at 812-988-5495 or [email protected].