Copyright © 2004 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved
News from Cherokee Nation
Copyright © 2004 CNO
TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - Cherokee Nation and local community health leaders are encouraging participation in the upcoming Sweetheart Walk.'Walk This Weigh' is sponsoring the Sweetheart Walk on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, February 14, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. along Main Street between Goingsnake and Chickasaw Streets in Tahlequah.
"It will be a fun, neighborly way to improve your health," said Regina Christie-Bell, co-chair for the Cherokee County Health Coalition and office manager of the Cherokee Nation Employee Health Center.
Registration forms for the Cherokee Nation Wings Program will also be available at the time of registration.
"This is a great opportunity for the whole family to get involved in physical activity," said Lisa Perkins, director of community health promotions for the Cherokee Nation. "It is essential that we as community members and parents become involved in fighting the epidemic of obesity."
The goal of the Wings program is to promote a healthier lifestyle through physical fitness and exercise. Wings is incentive based with rewards earned when reaching goals through a point system.'Walk This Weigh'participants who do not check-in at the Sweetheart Walk should plan on doing a check-in at the one of the official'Walk This Weigh'sites to record their new BMI from February 16 to 20. The Cherokee Nation Employee Health Clinic is an official check in site for the "Walk This Weigh" campaign.
"As part of the on-going, county-wide campaign to walk to improve health, everyone is encouraged to meet their loved ones and neighbors for this informal, holiday walk along this one mile loop in downtown Tahlequah," said Carol McKiel, outreach coordinator for Northeastern Oklahoma Community Health Centers.
Tahlequah mayor, Jerry Cook and his wife have agreed to join area residents as they walk for health and happiness.
"The Sweetheart Walk will be an informal event for exercise and to meet and walk with friends. Local merchants along the route will be open during the scheduled walking time to give walkers shopping opportunities after their walks," McKiel said.
After February 14, similar, informal community walks in downtown Tahlequah will take place every Saturday from 9 to 11.
Walkers should register for the'Walk This Weigh'Sweetheart Walk between 9:00 and 11:00 on February 14 at the registration table located at the NSU Visitor and Information Center on Goingsnake.
Participants will receive a bottle of water and a carnation in honor of Valentine’s Day. Walkers will also be able to weigh-in and record their Body Mass Index (BMI) at the time of registration. Participants should bring their Passport to Health to record their new BMI. If you do not have a Passport, you can download a copy off the Internet, from the Oklahoma Turning Point Council web site.
For more information on the Sweetheart Walk contact Carol McKiel, Northeastern Oklahoma Community Health Centers, Inc., phone: 918-772-3471. For more information on Wings, contact Melody Littledave, phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2619).
| Related contact information: |
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Mike Miller, Cherokee Nation Director of Communications Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2210) Fax: 918-458-5580 E-mail: Communications@cherokee.org
Larry Daugherty, Advertising Manager |
Steven Swogger, Agriculture Liaison Natural Resources Department Phone: 918-456-0671 (ext.2546) FAX: 918-458-7673 E-mail: sswogger@cherokee.org
Bradley D. Peak, Cherokee Nation |