By Mary Parker Draper, Extension Agent – Smith County
Ready, Set, Walk! According to Harvard Health, walking improves cardiac risk factors such as cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, vascular stiffness and inflammation, and mental stress. Walking and other moderate exercise programs also help protect against dementia, depression, and colon cancer and can lower death rates. Walking has other benefits that one may not think of as readily; it counteracts the effects of weight-promoting genes, it helps lessen a sweet tooth, and it boosts immune function.
The University of Tennessee Extension Smith County is partnering with the Smith County Health Department to again offer Walk Across Tennessee. Walk Across Tennessee is a program that persuades and motivates people of all ages to make that most important change . . . to get started exercising. It is a program that is simple and safe. All you need is a team of eight people and a desire to get moving.
Teams simply pool their mileage each week to work towards the chosen destination on a map that will be posted on the Walk Across Tennessee Smith County Facebook page. So dust off your walking shoes and prepare to join us on this eight-week journey “across Tennessee” from April 12-June 6. There is no cost to participate. Prizes will be awarded throughout the competition, and the teams with the most miles will be recognized. Register online by April 5 at https://tiny.utk.edu/WATIndvReg. Team captains must also register teams at https://tiny.utk.edu/WATTeamReg.
- Watergate Salad
- 1 package instant pistachio pudding mix
- 1 20 oz can undrained crushed pineapple
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 2 cups miniature marshmallows
- 1 9 oz package cool whip
- Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl and chill. Submitted by Lucille Mullinax, Elmwood/Chestnut Mound FCE Club.
