By Wissahickon Charter School Fernhill Healthy Fox reporters | School librarian Ms. Kourtney Gavin said she walks every day to help keep her body active. It gives her an opportunity to clear her head and stay healthy, she told sixth-grade Fernhill Healthy Fox reporters recently.

“When I’m walking with my friends or family, it helps bring the walls down and opens up opportunities for talking,” she said.

“It’s a great way to connect with your friends and family.”

Walking offers many health benefits, including building stronger muscles and putting you in a better mood, according to the American Heart Association.

Health experts advise that children should be active at least 60 minutes a day. Walking can help kids reach this daily goal, says the American Heart Association.

Aside from helping people stay healthy, walking also benefits the environment. When people walk instead of drive, they need less gas for their cars or trucks. That reduces the amount of harmful gases that cars release into the atmosphere, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Ms. Kourtney says that she walks whenever she can. She will take a quick walk around the school during her breaks which helps her relieve stress, she said. When the weather is nice, she will go outside during the school day.

When she has more time, she will walk for more than an hour. She will take the trails at Wissahickon Park and Germantown area.

“When I am in the woods, I feel happy,” she said.

Ms. Kourtney also said she enjoys walking because it makes her feel like she is doing a little something to help the environment.

The next time you see Ms. Kourtney walking the halls of the school, say “hi” or join in on the healthy fun.

“I highly recommend walking because it’s good for your health and you can enjoy nature while connecting with friends.”

Illustration by Coraline, Eleanor Emlen E.S.