Take a hike — it's healthy, group told

It's one thing for your spouse to tell you to get off your can and do something productive.

Now the state government is after you!

Officials from two state agencies held a press conference Wednesday urging all Utahns — couch potatoes in particular — to go take a hike.

Or a stroll, a leisurely jaunt, a casual saunter, a brisk strut or whatever kind of walk strikes your fancy.

"Walking is a very low-impact activity that has tremendous benefits to your health," Scott Williams, deputy director of the Utah Department of Health, told a lunchtime crowd at the Gallivan Center.

"It's a key component of a health program we're encouraging every Utahn to adopt."

Williams was joined by Utah Department of Transportation executive director John Njord in launching a yearlong campaign to encourage Utahns to get out and walk.

"Anybody can walk and you can do it anywhere," Njord pointed out. "It's good for the individual, the community and the environment."

The environment, however, wasn't cooperating Wednesday. Officials had planned to follow their speeches with a walk around the block. But due to the migrating smoke from the Cascade Springs fire, the walk was canceled.

But when the smoke clears, the agencies hope Utahns will see the advantages of taking more walks — and perhaps fewer car trips. After all, Njord said, UDOT spends about $4.5 million each year creating and improving trails, bike paths and sidewalks across Utah.

"To engage in walking, you don't need to go out and buy expensive equipment," Njord said. "You don't need a gym. You don't need a membership."

But you do need motivation.

Williams offered some by informing his would-be pedestrian audience that regular exercise can reduce the risk of breast cancer by 20 percent, decrease the likelihood of diabetes by 50 percent, trim the chances of heart disease by 30 percent to 40 percent and reduce the possibility of premature death by 50 percent.

And how about a little peer pressure? Williams said 80 million other Americans choose walking as their preferred form of exercise. And 15 million of them are pretty serious about it, taking lengthy, vigorous walks at least twice a week.

Need more incentive?

"The thing that gets me out of my house every day is this little furry mutt named Willie," said Williams, who was referring to his pet dog.