WIC Walks the Talk

Overview

WIC Walks the Talk is a physical activity program inclusive of all types of physical activity and open to all California WIC employees. The program goal is to assist WIC clinics in supporting employees to adopt more physically active lifestyles.

What: Any type of physical activity is acknowledged in this program. Steps or distance is easily calculated for many activities such as walking or jogging. Other activities can be converted to steps or distance. CWA serves as a communication point for WIC agencies throughout the state to send data regarding physical activities of WIC staff.

When: The program was kicked off Monday, April 14, 2003 at the annual WIC conference, with a mass March to Prevent Obesity outside the hotel. Three years later, we are still Walking the Talk!

Who: All employees of WIC in California are invited to join in the activities.

How: Staff in local agencies have been provided pedometers from CWA or other sources, and then plan a variety of activities and strategies for assisting each other to become more physically active. WIC employees have mapped out virtual trips to distant places, climbed mountains and crossed oceans. Agencies celebrate the "arrival" at a destination with fanfare, healthy theme parties and general fun. Participants receive certificates and other goodies, as available, from CWA.

Where: Those who choose to participate keep track of their steps or distance traveled. This statewide data is compiled by CWA and shared in our Flash. Since April 2003 we have collectively completed 9 virtual trips around the earth. Our goal is the moon (10 earthly laps)!

Why: WIC Walks the Talk helps us encourage ourselves and each other to become more fit over the long term. It also models healthy behavior for WIC participants - who watch what we do. Increasing physical activity is related to many of our goals in learner centered education and FitWIC.

Want to set up a WIC Walks the Talk group at your WIC site? Contact Karen Farley or Kinkini Banerjee at CWA.

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