October has always meant the start of the Holidays for me.  Stores are already loaded with candy for Halloween, decorations for Thanksgiving and the new Christmas ornaments have been hanging in Hallmark Stores since July! As people begin to stress over avoiding the Holiday weight gains & finding the perfect gifts to be bought, we’re trying something new.  October is International Walk to School Month.  The walk to school program in the USA was started in 1997 as a way to increase awareness of the need for communities to be more walkable.  The program has expanded to raise awareness of not only healthier lifestyles options but also to promote safer bicycling & walking routes and cleaner air.  We have been trying to get our son’s school to help sponsor a local event but the process is slow.  Instead, Angie & I will promote the Walk to School ourselves by walking to school with Jonathan on designated days during the month of October.  Our first planned walk is October 8th, which is also Walk to School Day.  Hopefully, we will be able to generate interest and the program will grow into a larger event in the future.  I urge you to visit the Walk to School web site for more information and ideas on making it work in your community.  Walking to school would be a great way to get exercise as a family and give you more time to spend with your child.  We’ll let you know how things work out in Elizabeth City!

Take advantage of the October weather by getting outside and being more active!  Cooler temperatures, lower humidity & less grass cutting!! Enjoy October!

It’s your Health.  It’s Your Life.  Make that Change!

~ John