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  JAMES H. DOUGLAS State of Vermont FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Governor and Lake Monsters Urge Drivers To Take "Seventh Inning Stretch"Williston, Vt. — Governor Jim Douglas and the Vermont Lake Monsters baseball team are urging Vermont residents and visitors to make frequent stops during long drives, taking time to stretch legs, straighten backs and rejuvenate muscles and minds. On Monday, August 6 at 11:30 a.m., the Governor and baseball players will demonstrate recommended stretches for motorists at the Williston Northbound Information Center on I-89. Titled "Park Bench Yoga," the stretches are pictured on new permanent displays at some Vermont Information Centers along I-89 and I-91. The stretches can be done at rest stops using park benches, picnic tables, trees and walls. Visitors can take away brochures illustrating these exercises and describing the benefits of exercise for drivers. "Getting out of your car to walk, take deep breaths and stretch your muscles will help keep you alert, relaxed and pain-free. This will prevent motor vehicle accidents and give you another way to incorporate exercise into your day," Douglas said. The Governor has made improving the health of Vermonters a central component of his plan to make health care more affordable. Vermont is the first state in the nation to encourage motorists to exercise with Park Bench Yoga displays at highway information centers. The displays are a joint venture of the Vermont Information Centers Division, The Vermont Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and The Governor's Highway Safety Program. The first displays were installed this month at the Williston Northbound site on I-89 and the Guilford Welcome Center on I-91. Additional displays may be installed at sites along Vermont roadways. According to the Governor's Highway Safety Program, drivers who spend more than four hours behind the wheel without a break are likely to suffer from mental fatigue, eye strain and lower back stiffness, all of which can lead to motor vehicle accidents. The Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports encourages adults to exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week to improve health and reduce the risks of chronic disease. Even when spending long periods seated behind the driver's wheel, people should take a few moments periodically for stretching, deep breathing and brisk walking to stay mentally alert and physically fit. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
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Vermont Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
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