By CARLA MORRICAL-FREDERKING

Special to The Hays Daily News

Walk Kansas is a Kansas State University Research and Extension health and fitness program, but a prior connection with K-State or the statewide Extension service isn't necessary to enroll -- and benefit.

The health-promoting opportunity encourages teams of six to compile miles equal to the distance -- 423 miles -- across the state of Kansas. The program also encourages the consumption of fruits and vegetables and whole grains.

Although introduced eight years ago to encourage walking, Walk Kansas has expanded to also count 15-minutes of moderate physical activity such as hiking, biking, swimming, water aerobics or other individual and team sports as 1 mile toward a Walk Kansas' team goal

Walk Kansas 2010 is scheduled March 7 to May 1. Most of those who enroll meet their goal. And people who have participated in the program in recent years often will say they look better, feel better, have more energy, improved sleep habits, lower blood pressure, lose weight and notice a difference in how their clothes feel.

Regular moderate physical activity also is known to reduce the risks of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers, including colorectal and breast cancer.

A small registration fee covers program materials and weekly newsletters with food, nutrition and health tips and recipes. An optional T-shirt can be purchased. This year's T-shirt colors are sapphire and black.

The fitness program has typically proved popular with families, friends, neighbors and co-workers.

More information about registration for Walk Kansas 2010 is available at www.ellis.ksu.edu. In Ellis County contact the Ellis County Extension Office at (785) 628-9430. Team captain packets are available. We ask for all information to be returned by March 5.

Carla Morrical-Frederking is the Ellis County Research and Extension agent for family and consumer science.