Initiatives

Walk NH Week 2008
SOME HEALTHY FUN HAD BY ALL!

During Walk NH Week, a reported 14,235 walkers from around the state laced up their sneakers and put their best feet forward for health. Schools, businesses, clubs and other groups from Stewartstown to Nashua, Alstead to Newcastle - and many places in between took part in 1 to 3 mile community walks. Altogether they participated in 102 events, and collectively walked a total of 21,182 miles! Originally, 107 separate walk events were planned for June 1 – 7. Unfortunately, 5 organizations were unable to hold their events.

The week at a glance: Walk NH Week 2008 started out lovely - sunny and warm, but by midweek the rains fell, followed by sweltering temperatures by week’s end. Happily, few spirits were dampened by the weather and thousands of hearty souls braved the pouring rain and 90 degree heat. Although fewer than expected were able to participate, organizers reported that a great time was had by all. Some organizers told us that they and/or members of their groups plan to walk regularly throughout the summer and beyond. Nearly every organizer said they wanted to be part of Walk NH Week again next year!

Special thanks to a special sponsor: We want to thank Harvard Pilgrim Health Plan for the hundreds of wonderful, colorful t-shirts, hats and water bottles they generously provided for Walk NH Week events. Organizers told us how much the walkers enjoyed these items and how they made their events extra special – and fun. Thank you again HPHP!

First Lady Susan Lynch, M.D. also joined in the fun, participating in events in Plymouth, Nashua and Manchester. She is pictured here at the walk in Plymouth, organized by Speare Memorial Hospital. Visit the Walk NH photo album to see more photos of Dr. Lynch at the Plymouth walk and lots of other Walk NH Week events around the state.

What some of you said about your walks: See some of the many enthusiastic comments event organizers turned in with their walk event reports.

KEEP WALKING NH! We hope Walk NH Week 2008 has inspired you to start (or keep) walking regularly. Walk New Hampshire’s ongoing program is designed to do just that! You can choose to walk either 70 miles (the width of NH) or 190 miles (the length of NH). There are also team options for children and families. Each program participant receives a logbook to record their miles walked. When individuals reach their chosen goals, they’ll receive an 'I Walked NH' patch and a certificate signed by Governor and First Lady Susan Lynch, MD.

Take a step today! Check out the ongoing Walk NH program. It’s sure to help set you on a path to a healthier lifestyle. You’ll be glad you did!

For more information:
Contact the Foundation for Healthy Communities: 225-0900 or info@WalkNH.org.

Walk NH was created by the Foundation for Healthy Communities, a statewide non-profit organization that works to improve health and health care delivery in New Hampshire.