By KATY SAVAGE
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BELLOWS FALLS, Vt. — About 250 Bellows Falls Middle School students and staffers of all shapes, sizes and athletic abilities walked a mile in the rain Wednesday for the national Walk@Lunch Day.
Walk@Lunch was created and sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield to promote health and wellness. The health insurance company says walking regularly can decrease the risk of heart attack and Type 2 diabetes, improve muscle tone, reduce stress and help control weight.
“It’s a wonderful way to create healthy habits and make them part of your routine,” said Stephanie DuBois, Blue Cross Blue Shield public relations director for Anthem Inc.
One in five 12- to 19-year-olds are obese in America, according to The State of Obesity, a grant-supported project from the Trust for America’s Health and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
In New Hampshire, 23.8 percent of 10- to 17-year-olds are obese or overweight and in Vermont, 22.2 percent of teens are overweight or obese.
“Anything that gets kids moving is a good thing,” said Windham Northeast Supervisory Union Superintendent Chris Kibbe. “It’s worrisome that kids spend so much time in front of screens.”
Bellows Falls Middle School has participated in Walk@Lunch the past three years. Students and staff members walked a loop around downtown Bellows Falls.
Despite the rain, “our staff and students still had a good time,” said school Principal Karen Bukowski. “This is a great all school activity that helps to reinforce our sense of community and gives everybody a break from the routine.”
Saxtons River Elementary School’s 59 students and staffers also braved the rain, walking from the Saxtons River Village Market to the school.
Saxtons River has participated in the initiative for the past six years. Saxtons River Principal Nancy Erickson said the staff encourages students to be active as a lifelong goal.
“We need to move to get oxygen in our brains and we will be better learners when we get exercise,” she said.
This is the 12th anniversary of Walk@Lunch. Companies and schools throughout the nation can participate by walking outside for 30 minutes before mid-May. Walks were organized in Burlington, Middlebury, St. Johnsbury and Rutland.
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