Penn State Extension will offer a virtual, statewide walking program called Everybody Walk Across Pennsylvania from Monday, April 7, through Monday, June 2.

The program is aimed at harnessing social support to help people achieve healthy lifestyle goals. Participants may walk individually or with family members, friends, co-workers or their dogs in teams of up to five. Each individual or team member will aim to walk 10 miles a week or exercise an equivalent amount.

Participants can walk at a time and place convenient for them, such as a park, neighborhood, or yard. Weekly emails sent to participants will seek to motivate people to keep walking as well as provide strategies for eating healthy.

Organizers noted that physical activity and healthy eating habits are critical to long-term health. Moderate exercise such as walking can reduce stress and fatigue and sharpen mental alertness. Exercise improves cardiovascular functioning and strengthens bones. Combined with healthy eating, walking can help people reduce or maintain body weight and decrease the incidence of several chronic diseases.

The program is not competitive and is intended to help participants improve their own physical activity levels.

Participation is free, but the deadline for registration is Tuesday, April 1. More information is available by visiting https://extension.psu.edu/everybody-walk-across-pa or calling 877-345-0691.