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About Us
County Impact Statements - Pike County
Take a Hike! Hometown Hikers Get Moving!
Most people know that eating a healthy, varied diet can cut their risk of
heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, and osteoporosis. But while few of us
could go even one day without eating, it’s easy to go days, weeks, or even years
without exercising! Yet physical activity can help prevent the same illnesses.
The evidence is clear: Exercise is the best preventive medicine for the mind and
body. Live an active lifestyle and you’ll probably live longer and stronger.
Take a hike!
That’s just what participants in the Hometown Hikers program did during the
long, hot days of summer. The 8-week program kicked off in June and wrapped up
in August. Each week, hikers met for a short health & fitness education lesson,
celebrated miles walked, and then hiked. Hikers hit trails all over the county -
from the Diamond Mine to Cowhide Cove. Participants kept track of their mileage
each week and at the end of the program, hikers had walked a total of 713.1
miles! Connie Dorathy walked the most miles with 177.6 miles logged. Connie said
that she initially joined Hometown Hikers to exercise with friends and the
competition really motivated her to walk more.
"Hometown Hikers was fun, educational, and I thoroughly enjoyed getting
together with other hikers in the community. I hope that we will be able to do
this again!" –Linda Ballard, Pike County Clerk
Studies have shown that walking with others and engaging in a program long
enough to make walking a habit promote success. That’s why the Pike County
Extension Service and the Pike County Health Unit teamed up to bring you
Hometown Hikers - we all want Pike County to be a healthy community.
Hometown Hikers warm up before a hike at the Crater of Diamonds
State Park.
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Impacts
- Hometown Hikers reported walking a total of 713 miles over the 8-week
program.
- Twelve hikers participated in the program.
- Hikers learned how to walk properly, how to warm up and cool down.
Stretching and strength training were also taught.
- The Food Guide Pyramid is an important tool in learning to eat right, along
with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Participants received Food Guide
Pyramid magnets and learned the importance of good eating habits!
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