By ABIGALE M. ROTHSCHILD
Students can walk alongside Sister Marilyn Bateman in a 3k fun walk on Friday from 11:45 a.m. to 12:50 p.m. The walk starts between the Richards Building and the Smith Fieldhouse and follows a circular route around campus.
The fun walk is part of women’s month. The idea for the walk was conceived two months ago during a meeting with Women’s Services and Resources and the Wellness Program.
The Wellness Program has sponsored fun walks before, but this is the first time Sister Bateman will be participating.
Lenae Valentine, coordinator of Women’s Services and Resources, said having role models helps people to form healthy habits.
“Its amazing how healthy habits go with you (throughout life),” Valentine said.
Walking isn’t hard, but it’s beneficial and helps reduce the risk of osteoperosis, Valentine said. It also relieves depression, anxiety and headaches, she said.
She said a lot of people are more sedentary than they should be, and healthy habits should start early on.
Aaron Hardy, BYU wellness coordinator, said the walk promotes taking responsability for one’s health and well being.
“People that are beginning an exercise program can start with walking and then increase either mileage or intensity,” Hardy said.
He said it is fun to get out of the office and meet new people.
Noelle Hansen, 20, a sophomore from Orem majoring in health education, said walking is a good way to get exercise.
“You can get exercise, but you don’t have to sweat too much,” Hansen said.
Signs along the course will provide information about health issues. Refreshments and prizes will await walkers at the finish line.
Also, as part of women’s month, there will be anemia screening on Thursday from 7:30 to 11:00 a.m. in 3215 ELWC and Friday from 7:30 to 11:00 a.m. in C245 ASB.
