About Walk Mississippi and Live Healthy

Inspired by the Let’s Walk Florida program, Walk Mississippi and Live Healthy is a virtual educational program based on the Mississippi State University Extension Service’s Walk-a-Weigh program. It challenges Mississippians to achieve and maintain healthy living every day through physical activity and healthier eating.

The program meets you where you are—both in terms of physical location and your current fitness level. Extension’s registered dietitian nutritionist will provide participants healthy nutrition and lifestyle behaviors and strategies for all participants.

Walk Mississippi and Live Healthy is open to individuals and teams. A person of any age can benefit from establishing and achieving activity and nutrition goals. To be part of the program, participants can walk, run, bike, swim, exercise, or engage in any type of physical activity at their homes or other locations.

4-H’ers and other young people who participate in this program can count their activity hours for Walk Mississippi towards our nation’s highest youth honor, the Congressional Award.

After you register...

• You will first receive an introductory email with your Participant ID.
• On  October 13, 2025 you will receive an email with a link to access the site to report your daily or weekly physical activities.
• Each week, you’ll receive an email with a new link to log your physical activity in the portal. Based on the type of activity you enter, the built-in calculator will convert it into miles. Your weekly miles will then be automatically added to your total, helping you track progress toward your personal or team goal.

Program Breakdown

During the six weeks, you’ll…

1. receive weekly emails that include video links and a newsletter filled with educational materials to support your wellness journey.
2. aim to virtually cover 180 miles (or 8,000 steps a day)—the width of Mississippi—by tracking your physical activity daily or weekly.
3. receive practical tips and guidance on fitness, nutrition, and healthy eating habits from an Extension registered dietitian nutritionist.
4. connect with fellow participants to form a supportive virtual community focused on sustainable lifestyle changes that promote both physical and nutritional wellness.

Weekly Topics

1. Getting Started: Goal Setting and Tracking Progress
2. Fruits & Vegetables: Fill Half Your Plate and Portion Control
3. Cutting Back on Sugar, Salt, & Fat
4. Rethink Your Drink: Beverages and Your Health
5. Move More, Sit Less: Building Activity into Your Day
6. Celebrating Success and Maintaining Healthy Habits

Goals

• Increase daily physical activity through walking and other forms of movement, such as biking, swimming, gardening, etc.
• Develop healthier eating habits by:
  • eating more fiber, fruits, and vegetables.
  • monitoring and managing caloric intake.
  • reducing added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats.
  • limiting sweetened beverages.
• Improve overall health and well-being.
• Develop consistent exercise and healthier eating habits.