Gilmour and Heritage elementary students can join volunteers from Kingfisher Community Collaborative for two more chaperoned walks to school Sept. 29 and Oct. 6.

The group meets at Clearview Circle of South 13th Street at 7:20 a.m. and then begins walking promptly at 7:30 a.m.

The last Walking Wednesday on Oct. 6 coincides with the statewide Walk to School Day.

Getting enough physical activity can help prevent 1 in 10 premature deaths.

Children need 60 minutes of physical activity every day and adults need 30 for optimal health, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Walking to school is an easy way for students to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives, helping them develop healthy habits for a lifetime.

Benefits of walking include improving heart health, reducing stress, regulating weight, increasing brain power and improving sleep quality – all of which can help children live well and perform better in school.

If you think your child is ready to walk to school, here are some great tips to help keep them safe:

•Plan out a safe route, and stick to it.

•Have kids buddy up with a friend.

•When biking, always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride.

•Respect traffic lights, stop signs and other rules of the road.

•Wear bright-colored clothing to increase visibility.

•Cross streets safely.

•Teach your child to never stop and talk to strangers.

•Designate safe places to go in case your child needs help.

•Joining your child in the walk to school, or any other time, can help reinforce the importance of physical activity and make it a fun, family affair.