Obesity is one of the major health problems the United States faces today. As of 2003, San Antonio ranked thirteenth as the fattest city in the country, according to a survey conducted by Men’s Fitness Magazine.

In an attempt to help faculty, staff, students and the community to get fit, Palo Alto has developed a walking trail that extends from the gym all the way to the main campus. Although the trail has been around for years, it was not until last month that 1/8-mile signs went up and it

was officially named the walking trail. The trail has no starting or ending point, and it was developed by the Palo Alto College Wellness Committee. According to USA TODAY, Americans are urged to get at least an hour of exercise daily, and walking is an easy way to get healthy.

The idea of the walking trail came to be after wellness walks that were held for faculty and staff could no longer take place due to scheduling conflicts. With this in mind, Ramon Hernandez, instructor of Physical Education, decided that they needed to come up with a way that everyone could walk on their own when they had the time.

“It was designed so people can independently walk and keep fit,” said Hernandez.

Lori Puente, a sophomore Education major, said, “Between school and my full-time job, I don’t have time to work out. The walking trail is a great idea because now between classes I can go do my daily walk. Health has always been an important thing to me because obesity runs in my family.”

Palo Alto College has also joined together with Walk San Antonio, a grant-funded city program sponsored by the Texas Diabetes Institute. Their mission is to improve the health status of the community. Since it began in 1997, more than 6,000 individuals have begun walking up to 30 minutes per day for four or more days a week.

Susan Kazen, Kinesiology Chair, said, “It is a program that encourages more physical activity.”

To join is free. You simply have to attend one of two meetings that are held on the second Wednesday of every month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or the fourth Tuesday of every month from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Room 214 in the Gym. You must sign a consent form, get a monthly logbook, and have your body composition analysis recorded. Participation is open to the community as well as to students, staff and faculty here at Palo Alto. For more information, you may visit www.healthcollaborative.net or contact Kazen at 921-5237.