The month of May is flying by. We have celebrated Mother’s Day and graduation ceremonies are scattered throughout the month. Hopefully all of these celebrations have provided some great family time for you.
Nearly 130 people in the Cottonwood Extension District will be celebrating the conclusion of the eight-week long Walk Kansas program on May 21st. Most of the teams are meeting or surpassing their goal to exercise at least 30 minutes five times a week. With more spring like temperatures forecast in the week ahead I hope you can keep the habit of regular exercise going, whether you are on a Walk KS team or not. I have two Walk Kansas celebrations set for later this month. In Great Bend you can join the Walk KS celebration on Wednesday, May 25th at noon at the bandshell on Jack Kilby Square. Walk KS participants can call our Great Bend office by Friday, the 20th to order a box lunch. The Walk KS celebration in Hays is set for Thursday, May 26th at noon at the Extension office meeting room, 601 Main. I will have a light lunch for those who sign up by Friday, May 20th.
And finally, May 16th – 22nd is designated as “Bicycle to Work Week.” Since I am passionate about cycling whenever I have the chance I consider this week a celebration. Although it is estimated that less than 1 percent of adult Americans commute to work by bicycle, roughly 41 percent of work commutes are shorter than 5 miles. In my case, my husband John and I log ten plus miles a day which includes two round trips to my office. Unless it is below 20 degrees or icy underfoot, you are likely to see us in our hi-vis green jackets and helmets,pedaling along on our tandem bike.
Bicycle commuting is a great way to squeeze regular exercise into a busy schedule. Commuting time can be used to stay in shape instead of sitting frustrated in traffic. Statistics also show that bicycle commuters are happier and more productive at work. As more cyclists take to the streets as summer approaches, make sure you take time to review bicycle safety rules with young riders. Watch for my column next week as I share the basic rules of the road. We have a couple of bicycling events I will be sharing information about in the weeks ahead.
Whether you are riding for fun, fitness or with family, or taking essential trips to work or shop, you are part of a movement for safer streets, connected communities, a healthier planet, and happier people.
So, whatever you are celebrating this May, have a wonderful time!
Donna Krug is the District Director and Family and Consumer Science Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at (620)793-1910 or [email protected]