The Bluebirds take flight--an intermediate group follows Dr. Larry Tillman, UC Foundation Professor, Physical Therapy.

Join UTC On The Move for better health

Students, faculty and staff are invited to lace their walking shoes and join the Health Sciences Coalition from the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies to participate in UTC On The Move, a sister program to the Tennessee On The Move program announced by Dr. John Petersen, UT President last month. Both programs are designed to help achieve healthier lifestyles.

To complement the first goal of Tennessee On the Move to increase daily activity by 2000 steps, UTC On the Move participants meet daily at 12:10 p.m. on the Lansing Court side of the University Center through Wednesday, October 20 to walk around campus.

Speaking for the Health Sciences Coalition, acting head of the Physical Therapy Department at UTC and Vanderbilt Associate Professor Dr. Cathie Smith says encouraging individuals to develop habits that increase their daily activity level and decrease caloric intake will have immediate and long-term positive health benefits.

“Choosing to adopt an active lifestyle that includes regular participation in a walking program combined with a well-balanced diet has been shown to improve metabolic balance, reduce physiologic stress responses and increase energy levels. It can also reduce health risks by helping to maintain good bone, improve cholesterol levels, and may reduce the risk for heart disease in some individuals,” Smith said.

Participants have a choice of different groups walking at varying speeds, and they are encouraged to select a pace that is most comfortable.

“Walk with us one day, or join us every day...your choice...just come out to enjoy these beautiful fall days and help get UTC On The Move,” said Smith.

“November 5, 2004, has been designated as America On The Move Day. “The Health Sciences Coalition hopes that UTC will encourage our entire Chattanooga community to engage in this healthy initiative,” Smith said.

First day of hitting the bricks: The entire group of UTC On the Move walkers

Choose the group that suits you best---join the yellow, blue, green or red group!

Route one
Beginning walker: Yellow
4263 ft--.8 miles
2000 steps—2.1 ft. stride
Pace—23 minute mile
Obstacles—none

Route two
Getting Stonger: Bluebirds
Intermediate walker—this route starts on Lansing Court and proceeds up Vine Street to Palmetto. Take a left on East Fifth Street, then left again to Lansing Court.
4400 ft.--.83 miles
2000 steps—2.2 ft. stride
Pace—20 minute mile
Obstacles—slight incline

Route three
Experienced Walker: Green
4387 ft. --.83 miles
2000 steps—2.2 ft. stride
Pace—15 minute mile
Obstacles—steep incline

Route Four
Strictly for the Hard Core Walkers: Red
Race/Competitive Walker
4968 ft—1.0 miles
2000 steps--2.4 ft stride
Pace—13 minute mile
Obstacles—steady, steep incline