Health Director Wants Newtowners To Start! Walking

By John Voket

Health District Director Donna Culbert is asking all of Newtown to join her and “wear our sneakers on April 16.”

The American Heart Association (AHA) has deemed April 16 as National Start! Walking Day. And the Newtown Health District director wants residents to recognize that day as the start of a new and healthy habit for those who do not regularly make walking a part of their day.

The AHA website www.americanheart.org offers plenty of information to help anyone improve his or her health and even has free online tracking to make it even more fun to meet and achieve one’s walking goals. Ms Culbert hopes residents will also share their walking experiences and success stories about how walking helps them feel and look better.

“The Health District is interested in hearing from folks that already walk on a regular basis,” Ms Culbert said. “Who do you walk with? Wear do you walk? We’d love to share your experience with the community either anonymously, or with you name if you permit.”

The health director believes it always helps to share good ideas and practices.

“And you just might motivate someone into changing their lives for the better,” Ms Culbert added.

According to the AHA, heart disease is the top killer in the United States. And physical inactivity doubles the risk of heart disease and stroke. Start! Walking and start reducing your risk.

Anyone can support the fight against heart disease by participating in National Start! Walking Day, Wednesday, April 16. On this day Ms Culbert is calling on all Newtowners to hit the streets and trails:

*Show your support and wear sneakers to work.

*Take a 30-minute walk during the day.

*Make your pledge to live a longer, healthier life.

The easily discouraged can take heart as well, because walking has the lowest dropout rate of any physical activity, and is the simplest positive change individuals can make to effectively improve their heart health.

Ms Culbert, who is an avid walker, said she subscribes to research that shows the benefits of walking and moderate physical activity for at least 30 minutes total on most days of the week or every day can help people:

*Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease

*Improve blood pressure and blood sugar levels

*Improve blood lipid profile

*Maintain body weight and lower the risk of obesity

*Enhance mental well-being

*Reduce the risk of osteoporosis

*Reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer

*Reduce the risk of noninsulin dependent (type 2) diabetes

Anyone interested in sharing their “walking stories” is encouraged to contact Ms Culbert at 270-4291 or e-mail newtownhd@earthlink.net.