Fort Huachuca, Arizona - Fort Huachuca will host its second Walk & Bike to School event 7 a.m.-9 a.m. today to encourage a more healthy community and work force.
There is an enormous amount of research and strong evidence that supports the positive health benefits from daily physical activity for both children and adults of any age.
Physical activity can reduce the risks of various chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers. It also affects a person's physical and emotional well-being.
Being physically active can improve mood and lower the risk of depression. It can also help improve sleep and boost energy levels by working a person's heart and lungs more efficiently. Lastly, physical activity can be fun! It is a way to spend time with friends, Family, pets and the community. Daily physical activity allows individuals to stay strong and be more active so they can enjoy doing the things they love, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Why bike or walk to school and work?
Daily physical activity for adults and children not only improves one's overall health and lower the rates of obesity, but it also increases productivity at work for adults and positive outcomes for learning at school for children. Fitting in walking or biking in the morning provides an active lifestyle, can help boost energy for the day and improves academic achievement at school and efficiency on projects at work. Building physical activity into your routine allows people to be more successful for reaching their goal to be healthier.
Be safe while biking or walking
Walking or biking to school and work can be easy and fun, but follow the signs and signals, and take safety precautions along the way. Bikers need to wear a helmet, and are encouraged to wear reflective or brightly color wear. While school children can and most likely will ride on sidewalks, adults share the road with motorists. Sharing the road means ensuring use of hand signals for turning and following the rules of the road.
Motorists have responsibilities too
Fort Huachuca officials want the installation to be a bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly post; this means motorists must be respectful and patient at all times to ensure the safety of walkers and bikers. Arizona law requires a 3-foot margin around cyclists, to give them plenty of room for safety while traveling on shared roadways. Motorists need to be aware of slowing down, using turn indicators, and following all speed zone areas on the installation, especially in school zones.
For more information, contact the Fort Huachuca Health Promotion Team at 520.454.2075 or usarmy.huachuca.icoe.mbx.hp-ops@mail.mil.
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