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The LSU AgCenter SNAP Education program recently worked together with the city of Bogalusa to install motivational health and walking signs to make environmental changes in Bogalusa.

The LSU AgCenter is a co-founder along with Our Lady of Angels Hospital, Well Ahead and the City of Bogalusa for the healthy community coalition named Bogalusa Strong. Bogalusa Strong is a collaborative partnership of community members, leaders, businesses and organizations working together to improve our quality of life by promoting physical, social, and environmental health. The partnership is working to create a healthier community together where all people thrive.

The signs now installed at Goodyear and Cassidy parks give information about the benefits of exercise, checking your heart rate, staying hydrated, warming up, stretching and distance.

Bogalusa Mayor Wendy Perrette stated that “walking is the best stress reliever.  Having gone through my husband’s cancer, walking became my way to de-stress and spend the time needed to take care of my mind and body.”

Landon Tims, the city of Bogalusa’s director of parks and recreation, has been an active member of Bogalusa Strong and continues to work with community partners to make park improvements in Bogalusa to increase the access for physical activity and exercise for residents of Bogalusa.

“Walking is universal because it’s free, you do not need to join a gym or need any equipment,” said Valerie Vincent, the FCS Regional Coordinator for the LSU AgCenter. “Whether you are at your home walking in place or walking outdoors in a park, being physically active daily is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Physically active people have a reduced risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, some cancers, and live longer.”

Bogalusa Strong partner Angela Lambert of Our Lady of Angels Hospital welcomed the addition of the new signs as the hospital strives to work together with residents to keep the community healthy.

“We want to thank the LSU AgCenter for providing these motivational signs and we want to encourage the community to come out and utilize the parks,” Tims said.

For more information on Bogalusa Strong or the LSU AgCenter, contact Vincent at vvincent@agcenter.lsu.edu.