505-470-2290 Office
International Walk to School Day
The New Mexico Department of Health’s Healthy Kids Healthy Communities program joins schools from around the world to celebrate International Walk to School Day Wednesday, October 4th.
There are 52 schools across New Mexico registered to participate in planned Walk to School Day events this week. These events encourage families to celebrate the benefits of physical activity, to increase commitment from local leaders, and to give visibility for traffic safety and community quality of life.
The New Mexico Department of Health’s Obesity Nutrition and Physical Activity Program (ONAPA) partners with state and local organizations and community coalitions across New Mexico to expand physical activity and healthy eating opportunities where children and low-income adults live, learn, play, work, eat, and shop.
“Our primary focus is on giving kids what they need to play well, eat well, learn well, and live healthy and full lives,” said New Mexico Department of Health Secretary Lynn Gallagher. “We are committed to partnering with New Mexico communities to increase opportunities for healthy, active living to prevent obesity and subsequent chronic disease.”
Walk to School Day helps local students meet the Healthy Kids Healthy Communities Program’s 5-2-1-O Challenge of being active for at least one hour a day. The Challenge is based on American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations to improve children’s health and motivates children to eat healthier and live more actively.
Walk to School Day events also raise awareness of the need to create safer routes for walking and bicycling and emphasize the importance of issues such as increasing physical activity among children, pedestrian safety, traffic congestion and concern for the environment. The events build connections between families, schools and the broader community.
Organizations supporting International Walk to School Day in the United States include America Walks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the US Environmental Protection Agency, the Federal Highway Administration, the Institute of Transportation Engineers, the National Center for Safe Routes to School, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Safe Kids Worldwide, and the Safe Routes to School National Partnership.
For more information on International Walk to School Day, visit the Walk Bike to School or National Center for Safe Routes to School websites.
Media Contact
We would be happy to provide additional information about this press release. Simply contact Paul Rhien at 505-470-2290 (Office) with your questions.
Versión en Español
En un esfuerzo para hacer que nuestros comunicados de prensa sean más accesibles, también tenemos disponibles una versión en español. Por favor presione el enlace de abajo para acceder a la traducción.