OKMULGEE, Okla. – Get moving, the Mvskokvlke Nene Hvkoke is starting up again! The walking program, sponsored by the Muscogee (Creek) Diabetes Program, is beginning its 2024 sign up season. Those interested can learn more either at area sign-up events or by making appointments with health and wellness staff via the phone or email printed below.
According to recent studies out of Harvard, researchers found walking briskly for an hour a day can decrease the effects of obesity-promoting genes by half. Not only does walking have a positive effect on weight control, it can also boost immunity, ease joint pain and inflammation, and help manage stress.
The incentive-based walking program encourages physical activity and overall wellness with a reward program based on a points scale. The walking program is open to MCN citizens, tribal and health employees, non-Native spouses or parents of a program participant, and Natives within the MCN Reservation. After signing up, a MicroFit pre-health assessment will be taken to get an overall fitness score. When participants meet their goals they will take a post assessment. Incentive points will be added to this post-assessment fitness score.
Participants can earn points by joining community health events. Public 5ks, exercise walks or classes, the MCN Festival Senior Games, and the Diabetes Summit among others can each add one point to the total. A five point bonus can be earned by losing seven percent of your body weight for those with a body mass index (BMI) over 25.
Examples of prizes in the past have included hoodies, T-shirts, duffel bags, tumblers and a massage gun. If participants increase their overall fitness score by 15 points they will receive a shoe fitting and a $100 dollar voucher from Fleet Feet.
For more information on the MicroFit assessment, view previous coverage by Mvskoke Media.
For more on the health benefits of walking, visit the Mayo Clinic’s website.
Health & Wellness Walking Program Contacts
KOWETA CLINIC
Morgan Sunny-Searl
918-807-1561
morgan.sunny-searl@creekhealth.org
SAPULPA CLINIC
Duane Meadows
918-752-7949
duane.meadows@creekhealth.org
OKMULGEE CLINIC
William Fixico
918-758-5148
william.fixico@creekhealth.org
OKEMAH CLINIC
Roy Crandell
918-758-7717
roy.crandell@creekhealth.org
EUFAULA CLINIC
Kimberlee Little
918-637-9684
kimberlee.little@creekhealth.org
This would be a great program to advertise on KOKL The Brew Radio Station