The American Heart Association notes that a walking program can improve a person’s cholesterol profile, lower blood pressure, increase energy and stamina, boost bone strength and prevent weight gain.
  The 2010 Dietary Guidelines state that adults should engage in at least two and a half hours of moderately intense activity each week to receive substantial health benefits.
     Haley Rinkenbaugh is a Registered Dietitian in the Food and Nutrition department at Jackson County Memorial Hospital. 
    She helped prepare a walking route inside and outside the hospital for employees to follow.  Included are the number of laps that equate to one mile and the number of calories burned while on the track.
 According to Rinkenbaugh, “Routes have been laid out on each floor and combined with climbing sets of stairs makes for a pretty good work out.”  “The four square blocks outside the hospital is also a pretty good track to follow.”
  Many employees make use of the tracks.  During break time and lunch hours, employees are up and walking.  The weather and the employee’s work responsibilities determine if they walk inside or outside.    
     “More people want to exercise and through our discussions with employees found that the hospital itself provides an excellent opportunity for walking and basic exercise.” 
    The different tracks inside the hospital building allow for some variety along with the track around the exterior of the campus.
     Another tool the Food and Nutrition department developed is a nutrition information system to assist in managing food consumption and overall diet maintenance.  The Dot System includes nutrition information on 10 different food categories.  The information includes calories, carbohydrates, and fat.  Each food item has a value assigned to it.  The lower the value, the better the food item.  The system is   reasonably simple and has a good number of employees that utilize it.