National Walk to School Day 2013 is October 9. National Walk to School Day was created to encourage school-aged children to get more exercise naturally by walking to and from school as weather and safety permits.

If you are a parent or grandparent of a school-aged child, Brevard Medical Equipment wants to know what you are planning to do to encourage the children in your life.

Walking to school used to be the rule, not the exception that needed a special day assigned to it. For most people of a certain age, walking or riding your bike to school was what you did. Parents only gave you a ride if the weather was bad or if you were really running late. Most kids today have become accustom to parent as chauffeurs on-call to take them everywhere and to keep them  supplied with snacks and videos while they are getting to where they need to go. Is it any wonder that the rate of childhood obesity is at an all-time high?

Walking to school can be social. Walking with a friend or group is a great way for kids to socialize, assuming they are not texting the whole time. It encourages kids from the same neighborhood to communicate more on a neutral territory. The distance to school seems shorter when you are engaged in conversation. Walking to school with others makes kids more accountable to the other person and less likely to skip or quit school.

Walking is healthy and a natural way to keep in shape at any age. Walking is good for building muscles and strength in growing children. Walking will increase blood flow to the brain before school and give kids a way to strengthen muscles after sitting all day in a classroom.

The best way to encourage your kids or grandkids to walk to school is so to walk with them. Start by walking with them to the school evenings or weekends to learn the route. It’s a great way to get some one-on-one time and will be great experience for both of you!

Brevard Medical Equipment does more than sell walkers, we encourage walking and hopes it lifts your spirits too!