Walk Texas! is a community-based program whose mission is to promote the health of Texans by increasing awareness and opportunities for individuals to engage in regular physical activity, including walking. Developed by the Texas Department of Health (currently DSHS) Diabetes Program/Council; The University of Texas at Austin; and the University of Texas-Houston School of Public Health, Walk Texas! promotes walking as a way to help prevent or manage a variety of chronic diseases, including diabetes. Walking is one of the safest and most "natural" forms of exercise. However, many types of physical activity can produce significant health benefits. Walk Texas! supports all efforts to increase awareness and opportunities for Texans to engage in regular physical activity.
The primary target population for Walk Texas! includes adults aged 50 and older who are diagnosed or at risk for Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes, also called adult-onset diabetes, most often occurs in adults over the age of 40, especially those who are obese. Physical activity and a healthy meal plan emphasizing weight loss are the cornerstones for treatment of Type 2 diabetes.
To accomplish its goals, Walk Texas! targets families and other members of the community as well. Walk Texas! utilizes a community-based approach aimed at reducing exercise-related risk factors associated with Type 2 diabetes by changing behaviors, policies, and environments of whole populations. Because many of the modifiable risk factors associated with Type 2 diabetes are also linked to cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of death and disability in the United States, this program is suitable for other organizations developing or expanding a walking program. Walk Texas! issues a challenge for all Texans to walk regularly, keep track of their progress, and accumulate miles equal to "walking across the state."
Walk Texas! Diabetes Program News
 December 28 , 2009 (PDF, 207 kb, viewing information)
September 11, 2009 (PDF, 354 kb, viewing information)
March 6, 2009 (PDF, 509 kb, viewing information)
April 4, 2008 (PDF, 2.5 mb, viewing information)
August 8 , 2007 (PDF, 246 kb, viewing information)
February 5, 2007 (PDF, 319 kb, viewing information)
November 15, 2005 (PDF, 616 kb, viewing information)
Resources
Resource Guide for Predictive Factors and Methods of Assessing Physical Activity and Adiposity in Children (PDF, 275 kb, viewing information)
Resource Guide for Predictive Factors and Methods of Assessing Physical Activity and Adiposity in Adults (PDF, 195 kb, viewing information)
Steps to an Active Walk Texas! Community Poster
(PDF, 4.35 mb, viewing information)
» Quick Start Guide To A Physically Active Organization (PowerPoint presentation, 954 kb, viewing information)
» Achieving Wellness with Activity Groups (PowerPoint presentation, 396 kb, viewing information)
» Physical Activity Today – Implementation and Evaluation, March 9th 2006, Walk Texas - Austin Chapter 10-Week Challenge (PowerPoint presentation, 1.5 mb, viewing information)
Regular physical activity is any activity that produces overall health benefits. It may be work, recreation, exercise, or sports. Activity should match your ability, needs, and interests. The goal is to get 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity most days of the week.
Join an existing Walk Texas! group, start your own group in your neighborhood, workplace, church, or organization, or do it on your own. Whatever you choose, Walk Texas! for the Health of it!
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Download Walk Texas! guides as PDF files from the selection below:
viewing information
Quick Start Guide
PDF, 823 kb
Planning
Guide
PDF, 1 mb
Walking/Biking
Guide
PDF, 1 mb
Media
Guide
PDF, 702 kb
Evaluation
Guide
PDF, 3.8 mb
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