Local mayors walk for cash

By CHANSE WATSON

Managing Editor

The simple act of walking has been proven to have numerous health benefits, regardless of age or gender. On top of it being a great way to keep the ol’ pounds off, walking has been shown to increase cardiovascular and pulmonary fitness, reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, strengthen bones, improve balance, and increase muscle strength and endurance.

The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health are aware of these many benefits, so with its 6th annual Mayor’s Walking Challenge, the hope is to inspire Idaho children to be more active.

According to a news release by BCIFH Communications Specialist Nick Jezierny, 25 percent of Idaho children are currently either overweight or obese.

The goal of the mayor challenge is to put a dent in that high statistic by getting community leaders from across the state to encourage local youth to be more physically activity and get access to healthy foods.

“Mayors are leaders in their communities, and when they advocate for something as important as being active, it sends a powerful message,” said Kendra Witt-Doyle, executive director, Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. “We appreciate all of the mayors who participate and set great examples for their communities.”

Here in the Silver Valley, the mayors of Osburn and Wallace have answered the challenge.

Osburn Mayor Kip McGillivray and Wallace Mayor Lynn Mogensen have been working hard to reach the required goal of averaging 10,000 steps a day in the month of October. If successful (which they are both on track to be), McGillivray and Mogensen will earn $1,000 each. The $1,000 is to be used for programs, policies or projects that aim to get kids or communities as a whole active. Many mayors in the past have used the funds to purchase PE equipment at a school, create a walking club, earmark the funds toward building trails, walking paths, etc.

This is Mogensen’s second year participating in the challenge and McGillivray’s first.

Mayors earn 10,000 bonus steps each day they walk with children and promote the importance of being physically active. McGillivray did just that on Oct. 24 when he took students from Silver Valley Hills Elementary on a walk to the Osburn City Hall and back.

When he first signed up for the program, he was a little taken aback by the 10,000 steps mark. With only one day to go though, he now realizes how much he walks daily.

“Because of the job I have, I’ve lucked out because I walk a lot during the day on the site. It’s been a lot easier than I thought it would be.”

If all goes according to plan, McGillivray hopes to take the prize money and give it to Silver Hills Elementary for physical fitness ideas and programs.

The Mayor’s Walking Challenge only became a true statewide competition in 2018. This year, 77 mayors from 39 of Idaho’s 44 counties registered. Last year, Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health handed out $62,000 in award money.

On Thursday, the number of steps taken by the participating mayors will be measured on a Fitbit they were given at the beginning of the challenge. Winners will be announced on Monday.