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Twiggs County residents participate in lunch hour walkathon

More than 50 residents of Twiggs County spent their lunch hour burning calories instead of munching on food.

From Jan. 30 –Feb. 2 residents participated in the Twiggs County Jamming Lunch Bunch Walk-A-Thon organized by Fort Valley State University and the University of Georgia's Cooperative Extension Programs. The event took place at the Twiggs County Cooperative Extension office. Participants completed a 1,500 step course located near the center of town during the four-day event.

Terralon Chaney, FVSU's Twiggs County Extension Agent, said the event served as a tool to promote active lifestyles, healthy living and relieve stress. "We walked and talked about having healthy hearts and some of the reasons we should walk daily," Chaney said.

In addition to organizing the walkathon, Chaney instructed participants about using smartphones to measure walking distances and conducted brief seminars about preparing healthy meals.

Estella Sams, 78, said she participated in the event to inspire young people to take advantage of opportunities designed to help them stay healthy. "I enjoy walking. It was a little cold today, but I enjoyed it. It is good for my health and allows me to get my exercise," Sams said.

Annie Williams, an employee for the county, beamed with excitement about participating in the event. "I've worked across the street at the Twiggs County courthouse for 31 years and this is the first time I've been involved with a walkathon," Williams said. "I love it and I'm going to keep doing it. I've learned a lot, including how to use my phone more (for walking). I really appreciate it, and I'm going to keep on jamming," Williams exclaimed.

Chaney said a month-long walkathon is scheduled for April 1 in Jeffersonville.

For more information about future FVSU Extension events in Twiggs County, contact Chaney at (478) 945-3391 or e-mail chaneyt01@fvsu.edu.

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