When you go visit Dale Brigham in his office on the third
floor of Gwynn Hall on the MU campus, take the stairs. Avoid the elevator. Brigham's two-fold message – and he wants every person
in the state to hear it – is that needed daily exercise can be a part of your
everyday life. And, that exercise is as important as good nutrition and safe food for your
well being.
Brigham, who has been on the job as state extension
nutrition specialist for a little over a year, has expanded the traditional job title to
include fitness as well as nutrition.
“The traditional extension educational message
has been about eating a diet that contains good nutrition and that is safe,” Brigham
said
While he is still very much concerned about the
prevention of illness through balanced diet and avoidance of acute illnesses – such
as food poisoning. He has added leadership in Human Environmental Science extension
education on the part diet plays in long-term well being. That includes preventing chronic
illness.
And, he is helping extension clients see the role
fitness plays in their wellness.
Brigham isn't alone in spreading the word. Some two
dozen regional extension nutrition specialists across the state and some 130 nutrition
education assistants working with low-income families have already been trained.
He's been on the road and using the University's
Interactive Television Network to teach about nutrition, food safety, and fitness.
Recent reports on the evening news have reinforced
his message. Nationally, an educational program named “AIM 30” is promoted by
the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta. Those are the folks who track down virulent
disease outbreaks. But, they too are concerned with the prevention of disease through good
nutrition and fitness.
The average person doesn't have to join a gym, or
suit up and jog for miles to get their needed physical activity that helps improve health.
Thirty minutes of physical activity a day for
everyone is the goal. That can be three 10 minute sessions of vigorous walking, it doesn't
have to be continuous and doesn't have to be strenuous. Vigorous will do.
Brigham doesn't just preach the message, he lives it.
“When I came to MU, I didn't buy a parking
permit,” Brigham said. And, without the required parking hangtag, a car is almost
useless on a University campus. That forces him to use his bike for the 1.5-mile commute
to work.
“People don't have to buy a $500 membership in
a gym to use a stair-step exercise machine,” Brigham pointed out. “Stairs are
right there, ready for use, free.”
Brigham's concern is not only about the individual,
but the community role in physical fitness. His new hometown of Columbia makes exercise
available on walking trails, converted from banked railroad rights of way.
But, there can be more. In looking at communities,
he asks: Are there safe sidewalks for walking? Are areas lighted for walking and exercise
at night?
In small towns, finding a place to exercise can be a
problem. But, there may be available resources not being used. “Can the local high
school gymnasium be opened for people to use in cold weather, in a safe and lighted
environment?”
It's a matter of real concern. News media reported
recently of an active community leader, out jogging with her dog, who was struck at night
by a hit-and-run driver. She and her dog were killed.
“People should not have to risk their lives to
keep physically fit.” That's a message Brigham wants to carry to every community in
the state.
Already, it's happening from Palmyra to Van Buren
and other towns where regional extension specialists are helping citizens to get up, get
out, and exercise.
Brigham admits he's an evangelist. His theme:
“Just get up off the couch and start moving. It's as simple as putting one foot in
front of the other. “It
may sound corny,” Brigham said “But, it adds life to your years, as well as
years to your life.” Park the car. Walk the three blocks to your next appointment. Little things
add up to the needed 30 minutes a day. “I don't know anybody who has started exercising,”
he said, “who doesn't feel better, or who regrets it.”
Taking the stairs instead of the elevator is a
start. |
