HUNTINGTON -- Marshall University has joined the Cabell-Huntington Health Department in a community-wide program to help reduce the area's obesity rate.

The health department recently announced the WalkItUp! campaign, which is an effort to encourage residents to start a six-week walking program.

Marshall kicks off its campus campaign with a one-mile walk at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 8, beginning at the Memorial Student Center plaza.

"Maintaining a daily regimen of physical exercise, like walking, has many health and life benefits. Walking just 20 to 30 minutes a day can help relieve stress, improve weight management and lower the likelihood of developing chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity and heart disease -- diseases known to be associated with sedentary lifestyles," said Marshall University President Stephen J. Kopp, who will lead Marshall's campus walk. "I am excited to participate in this one-mile walk around campus to help encourage our faculty, staff and students to begin their own daily routine of exercise."

Anyone interested in pre-registering for the Marshall University walk may do so by logging on to www.walkitup.org.

Event organizers said giveaways, including t-shirts, will be available the day of the walk at Marshall for registered participants. Registration is available on site the day of the walk.