news-record.com

With the mercury nudging 70 degrees after an unusually harsh winter, walking advocate Mark Fenton's visit couldn't have been more timely.

The host of PBS' "America's Walking" brought his message of better health through physical activity to the Active Transportation Summit's "Get Healthy Guilford" gathering Monday at Greensboro College.

His warnings that our auto-centered lifestyle is making us and our children sick have been heard before. But by keeping up the pressure to walk more, eat healthier and ride a bicycle, he may win converts to a worthwhile cause.

A report released last fall ranked the state 14th in childhood obesity. In Guilford County, 44 percent of children 10-17 are classified as overweight.

Many simply mirror the poor choices of their parents by exercising too little, eating unhealthy "super-sized" fast-food meals and routinely riding in the car rather than walking.

Fenton's take was even grimmer. He cautioned that the obese child is at increased risk for diabetes, heart disease, stroke and even cancer.

For its part, the city is making significant strides in providing healthy alternatives. Work continues on the 4.8-mile greenway that ultimately will encircle the center city. Bike lanes have been marked off on numerous thoroughfares, and walking paths dot neighborhood parks.

But in the final analysis, it's up to residents to make healthier choices. Leading by example may be the best way to avert the health crisis looming for younger generations.

Fenton offers suggestions worth noting. Communities, he says, still can make it easier to get to school, work or stores by foot, bike or using public transit, which involves more walking than taking the family car.

A good starting point is the local fitness coalition's "Get Guilford Moving" campaign. Spring lurks just around the corner; so get outside and enjoy.