WALK TO KICK OFF ‘MAYOR’S LET’S GET MOVING CHALLENGE’
Week focused on physical activity to restart Healthy Nashville initiative
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Apr. 4, 2008) -
Mayor Karl Dean and the Healthy Nashville Leadership Council will take to the trails of the Richland Creek Greenway on Saturday morning to start off a city wide challenge to “get moving” and to restart the Healthy Nashville initiative.
The Mayor’s Let’s Get Moving Challenge is in conjunction with National Public Health Week from April 7 to 13. During the week, Mayor Dean will be participating in a number of activities to demonstrate how all Nashvillians can get moving more and in the process take advantage of our city’s many resources for a healthy lifestyle.
“The health of a city is indicative of the community’s overall quality of life and its economy. Nashville is a great and growing city, and the type of people we want to continue to attract here are looking for a lifestyle that is more active, and in turn more health and environment conscious,” Mayor Dean said.
“This week is about leading by example and bringing awareness to an issue that I hope will be part of our city’s conversation going forward. It’s also an opportunity to highlight our award-winning system of parks and greenways, which are a great place to get outdoors and get moving.”
Healthy Nashville is an initiative of the Mayor’s Office created by Executive Order. The initiative is lead by an 18-member Leadership Council and supported by the Metro Public Health Department.
“Just 30 minutes a day of activity – even a brisk walk or a bike ride – can have great benefits. It can improve your mood, your sleep, and your overall sense of wellbeing right away. Exercise can also lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol and reduce your chances of getting heart disease, cancer, or brittle bones,” said Dr. Bill Paul, Metro Health director.
“Let’s Get Moving Challenge” Schedule:
Saturday, April 5 – Kickoff Walk and “Leadership on the Move” Day
Members of the Healthy Nashville Leadership Council will join Mayor Dean at the Richland Creek Greenway to kickoff the Let’s Get Moving Challenge with a 2.5 mile walk.
The Challenge: Join the mayor and the Leadership Council at 9:30 a.m. at the McCabe Golf Course Trailhead, 4601 Murphy Road.
Monday, April 7 – “Departments on the Move” Day
Each department of the Metropolitan Government will be challenged to find a way for their employees to get moving during the work day.
The Challenge: Find a way to put more physical activity into a typical day. Climb the stairs instead of using the elevator or take a short walk during a break.
Wednesday, April 9 – Kids on the Move
Mayor Dean will teach a P.E. class at one of the public elementary schools to highlight the need for children to get more exercise.
The Challenge: Spend some time with a child and show them how fun exercise can be. Go swimming, skating or play a ball game.
Thursday, April 10 – “Moving for Free” Day
Mayor Dean will highlight one of the ways to get moving for free in Nashville by walking at the East Community Center with one of the city’s most avid walkers.
The Challenge: Use the free resources at one of the many community centers or greenways to get moving.
Friday, April 11 – “Move over Traffic” Alternate Commute Day
Mayor Dean will walk to a bus stop and ride an MTA bus to work to highlight how easy it is to get more exercise, lessen the impact the daily commute has on the environment and save on fuel costs.
For media inquiries contact:
Janel Lacy
(615) 862-6020
janel.lacy@nashville.gov