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According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 80 to 100 firefighters die each year. While on-scene incidents always contribute to that number, a growing number of firefighter deaths occur away from the action.

A study by the National Fire Protection Association found that 59 percent of firefighter deaths were related to overexertion, stress and medical causes. Of that percentage, cancer, heart disease, stroke and suicide made up a significant portion.

To help combat those statistics, the Wellness Fitness Initiative (WFI) program spearheaded by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) is expanding its reach across the world. The WFI focuses on three major areas for departments to address and improve: medical, behavioral health and fitness.

Departments across North Texas are becoming increasingly active in the program, said Little Elm Fire Chief Brian Roach.

Its important to have something in place that will encourage firefighter health, Roach said. This program sets the guidelines for how to prevent the top causes of those deaths.

The Little Elm Fire Department (LEFD) has a committee dedicated to each component of the WFI. In the leading role of the cancer division is Capt. Clint Long.

More than 60 percent of the names on the firefighter memorial wall (IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Wall of Honor) died from cancer, Long said. Cancer in firefighters is also about 9 to 12 percent higher than the general population. I personally know a firefighter who passed away from cancer.

The CDC reported in 2013 that about 68 percent of firefighters will develop cancer as a result of their occupation.

Long said firefighters are exposed to the toxic materials given off from synthetic material, which exists everywhere, thus increasing cancer probability. Exposure to those chemicals can be reduced by promptly removing and cleaning personal protective gear, or PPE, and showering after each call, he said.

The whole goal is to limit exposure, Long said.

Regular health screenings are also important because they can detect earlier, more treatable stages of cancer, Long said. In May, the department is holding its first on-site comprehensive health screening for each of its members.

The screening will also include a physical fitness test.

Under Mitchell Broussards leadership, each member is required to work out for at least 30 minutes per shift. He also encourages fitness through group exercises, off-duty workouts and cooking healthier food. By improving fitness levels, chances of heart disease and other health issues are less likely to occur.

We want the guys here to put forth the effort to get better, Broussard said. To me, if Im not healthy I cant do my job. I dont want to put someone else at risk because Im overweight.

Some concerns go beyond what the eye can see. By offering a mental health debriefing component, called the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), firefighters have a way to keep their minds healthy.

Jeremy Fuller, part of the CISM committee, said his involvement stemmed from the death of his former partner, who killed himself after they lost a coworker in a fire.

Too often, first responders keep their feelings to themselves after stressful or traumatic calls. Theres a stigma wrapped around mental issues like PTSD, he said, and it needs to be changed.

According to the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance, there were 360 reported firefighter suicides between 2000-2013. That number is likely much higher, the report stated, because not all of the deaths are reported.

Its one of those deals thats highly avoided and not talked about, Fuller said. We help diffuse them after a bad call with group talks. Some of the best medicine for the guys is to talk to each other. Theyve been through stuff together and have the same experiences.

In the coming years, LEFD hopes to make the WFI a mandatory program and extend its reach to surrounding departments.

Read more here:
Global wellness, fitness initiative aims to decrease firefighter fatalities - Star Local Media

Glance at a coworkers wrist and you may see it: a slender Fitbit, a blocky Apple Watch or a sleek Garmin. A lot of people are strapping on devices to monitor their heart rates, daily step counts and deep breathing exercises. But are there drawbacks?

Fitness wearables dont help you lose weight.Although more companies are embracing the idea that good health and lower insurance costs can be linked to wearing the gizmos, a New York Timescolumn explainsthat is not the case:

A large, well-designed studytook place at the University of Pittsburgh between 2010 and 2012, and it involved more than 470 adults between the ages of 18 and 35. All of them were put on a low-calorie diet, had group counseling sessions and were advised to increase their physical activity. Six months into the intervention, all were given telephone counseling sessions, text-message prompts and study materials online. At that time, though, half were also given wearable tech devices that monitored their activity and connected to a website to help provide feedback. All participants were followed for 18 more months. At the end of the two years, which is pretty long for a weight loss study, those without access to the wearable technology lost an average of 13 pounds. Those with the wearable tech lost an average of 7.7 pounds.

In other words, people who did not sport wearables lost more weight than those who did. The link between wearing a fitness-tracking gizmo and become ripped or super-fit is, in fact, notsupported by the science.

This runs directly counter to other stats floating around, namely the healthcare analytics firm Springbuks claim that, over a two-year period, employees who opted into a wearables programcost their employers $1,292 less in insurance expensesthan employees in a control group. Theres beena sustained push among wearable companies to team up with insurers and employersin an effort toboost their business.

So what?Employers who offer health insurance have already established precedents for linking employee benefits to specific behaviors. At some places, people who smoke pay higher health insurance rates than those who do not, or people who are overweight pay higher premiums than those who are within a normal BMI. At Safeway grocery chain,they did both. The premise that fitness wearables are linked to better health has been disproven. But there is one possible reason for workers to wear the gadget: Because their insurance rates will rise if they dont.

And there is one possible reason for insurance carriers to request employees wear a wristband: To collect datawhichmay not be accurateand presentsreal security and privacy risksthat can be used to justify hiking up insurance rates.

Who cares?People who rely on their employer for access to affordable health insurance, and theres not a lot of bargaining room thereits a perk, after all. And what if insurance rates are now predicated on employees wearing a device that captures data thatcould end up jacking up their rates, and studies show the device has little to no impact on acquiring or maintain healthful habits? Thats a situation where the only parties who benefit make wearables.

Want more? Theres a whole archive of So What, Who Cares newsletters at tinyletter.com/lschmeiser. In addition to the news analysis, there are also fun pop culture recommendations.

Go here to read the rest:
So What, Who Cares: Fitness Wearables Don't Help You Lose Weight - Observer

Do your getaways turn into vacations from healthy eating and exercise? Do you take the time off as an excuse to really let go while you get away from it all? Regret is a bad souvenir.

But what if an excursion included upping your fitness level and kick-starting your way of thinking about health all while you were being pampered, of course.

Fortunately, more and more resorts are embracing healthy escapes itineraries or unique offerings that mix fit choices into fab experiences. From full-on fitness programs in a spectacular setting to resorts that offer fun, unique and easy ways to keep you moving while relaxing, we can now have our fun trip and stay fit, too.

With spring coming, now is a perfect time to be proactive. Instead of waiting for warm weather to work toward getting into beach clothes, start now with a vacation accented with fitness. Consider these options for a luxurious, relaxing but healthy escape.

The Fontainebleau Miami Beach: Sure, you know this amazing destination from the celebrity sightings, the amazing parties and the renowned elegance. What you might not know is the Fontainebleau is a great spot to find the warm sun, soak in the Miami scene and also to stay on your fitness game at the same time.

This year, the Fontainebleau is offering its first-ever Wellness Escape. From April 7 to 9, the Fontainebleau has partnered with fitness brands Barrys Bootcamp, Tone House, 305 Fitness, Daybreaker, Greenmonkey yoga, and meditation with Nikki Novo to host a weekend-long event jam-packed with health and wellness activities.

Beginning April 7, guests will be able to choose from fitness classes, cooking demonstrations, curated menus and more. The weekend focuses on the body and the mind.

Guests taking part will also have access to experts covering topics from holistic health to personal empowerment and spiritual healing. There is also a marketplace, offering top health and wellness brands and services.

And since its all set at a fabulous destination (and many of the programs are poolside), youll soak in top accommodations, eat healthy meals prepared by great chefs and, of course, take in all Miami has to offer. Learn more at fontainebleau.com/wellness.

Red Mountain Resort, St. George, Utah: Tucked into a sublime setting the red and white sand canyon region of southern Utah the resort has roomy and beautiful accommodations, a spectacular spa and a dining room that amps up every meal.

And it just happens to be a place you can find a new fitness level, set diet goals and more via some great packages. The resorts Weight Loss & Living Well retreat takes things we may not want to think about on vacation and makes them wonderful. Fitness becomes delightful when it involves hiking beautiful canyons, biking though national parks or doing yoga with a breathtaking view. Healthy eating is easy and delicious when chefs prepare colorful and creative meals for you each day. And working on bettering oneself feels like a dream vacation when its in this setting.

The resort offers more packages, too, such as the Sports Performance Retreat, new this year. This four-day, three-night retreat is for athletes and sports enthusiasts looking to take their fitness to the next level. Guests meet with the top-level Intermountain Health Care sports performance team and experience state-of-the-art testing in order to become faster, stronger and achieve their training goals. Then, with a plan in place, guests use the resort and its surroundings to put it all into action. Learn more at http://www.redmountainresort.com.

Woodstock Inn, Vermont: So what if its not spring yet, the Woodstock Inn can help you relax, unwind and stay fit with a snowshoe stay. The resorts Tubbs Snowshoe Trek Package includes two nights at the warm, beautiful inn, breakfast daily at the inns Red Rooster where a buffet offers plenty of healthy choices (and a chef prepares omelets on request), a picnic lunch to take on your trek and the equipment you need to head out and up to Mount Tom cabin. For an added fee, you can amp it up and snowshoe up Mount Peg with a resort guide.

The inn has a large, beautiful and accommodating spa, too, to work out your aches, as well as access to the Woodstock Athletic Club, where you can take on a full schedule of fitness classes or play indoor tennis. Learn more at http://www.woodstockinn.com.

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Make dash for fitness escapes - Boston Herald

YMCA staff, led by Executive Director Mike Melstad, said they are humbled with the recognition, but feel strongly that it is not about them. In the family room overlooking the pool, a group of members and staff gathered to discuss the role the Y plays in their lives.

"Joining the Y was first thing I did when I moved to the area," said Emily Hadler, a YMCA member-turned-group fitness instructor. "The community feel was amazing and so welcoming. It made me fall in love with this place and fall in love with group fitness."

While the dozen voices could have continued discussions well past a morning coffee break, their love for the health facility was unmistakably evident.

For Sarah Fox, a member and group instructor like Hadler, the benefits of the health facility reach much further than the physical fitness.

"It's our Y family here," Fox said. "There are a lot of things that go on in people's lives in and outside of these walls. We are all here for each other and supporting each other through it all."

"It" was ovarian cancer for longtime instructor Ellen Hutchinson.

"My classes rallied around me when I was diagnosed," she said. "It's not working out that makes the Y function, it's the people."

Jerry Halvorson has been a YMCA member since the 1970s. A handball legend, some would say, Halvorson has seen many faces come and go during his years at the facility, but recently received his fair share of helping hands while recovering from a large fire in his home.

"It seemed almost immediate that people from the Y were helping me out," Halvorson said. "Clothes, food, everything people were so eager to help. For a small town like Red Wing to have a facility and community like this, people do not realize how privileged we are. It's always full of people and full of life."

Joining the Red Wing YMCA after relocating to the area, Lynne Reigle utilized the LIVESTRONG program for physical, social and emotional needs, she said. The program is aimed toward cancer survivors, helping them improve their strength and physical fitness, diminish the severity of therapy side effects, develop supportive relationships and improve their quality of life.

"Everyone is dealing with something," Reigle said. "I was diagnosed with cancer twice and have multiple sclerosis. Being new to the area, this became not only a physical health element for me, but a very important emotional and social outlet."

Story after story, the coffee break group bonded over these shared moments at the YMCA. In the case of 90-year-old Ellsworth resident Virgil Thoner, he said just three short weeks of fitness work at the facility saved him from needing an operation on his shoulder.

"I got a shirt from my daughter for my birthday," Thoner said. "It reads: 'It took me 90 years to look this good'. I'm 90 years old and a diabetic. They (YMCA staff) have really helped me."

Community hub

YMCA Board member Holly Hanson began her relationship with the organization like most do, utilizing the facility for fitness.

"It really evolved quickly for me," Hanson said. "It feels like your second home. The Y is so central to Red Wing. We are the hub, with the spokes reaching out and touching everyone in the community."

Hanson said as she began learning about the social responsibility initiatives, she felt drawn to getting involved with the organization.

"I wanted to plug into that mission and give back to the community in this way."

The mission of the YMCA, healthy living director Martha Harris said, is what makes winning the Red Wing Area Chamber of Commerce awards possible.

"We are so honored for the recognition, but it is more rewarding to know the community is benefitting from our work," Harris said.

The Y Pals program, which partners children with adult mentors, is one of the YMCA's longest running programs. The recent development of the summer lunch programs have been very popular at the facility.

"When we open our doors to the community, the community responds," Harris said.

Mary Lockwood, an active member, said the behind-the-scenes work is a true motivator for her involvement in YMCA.

"The Y gives back so much to the community, bridging the gap between those families that can use a hand and those that want to outstretch their hands and help."

Lockwood pointed to the scholarships and programs the organization offers, so no one is turned away because of a financial constraint.

"When you have more than you need you build a bigger table, not a higher fence," Lockwood said, "I think that saying perfectly applies to what the Y does for families in Red Wing."

Dan Ferezan, a 30-year military veteran who spent many years on the East Coast, commended the YMCA staff on the excellent facility in Red Wing.

"I have been in health facilities like this around the country, and this facility in Red Wing is as good as it gets," he said. "The staff don't act like staff. They are family."

While recognition is always welcome, YMCA staff insisted they don't come to work for the praise.

"We love the people who are coming in that door, whether they are new or have been coming here for 50 years," Hutchinson said. "They will find welcoming staff that will take them by the hand and show them around and make them feel comfortable."

For more information on the Red Wing YMCA, visit http://www.redwingymca.org.

The rest is here:
YMCA stretches beyond fitness - Republican Eagle

What if you could take a studio cycling class from the comfort of your own home? Thats the idea behind Peloton at Domain NORTHSIDE, and Amanda got to see how theyre taking a new spin on fitness.Try it before you buy it! Watch as Amanda learns the ins and outs of a Peloton bike, nearly silent and streams live spin classes every day so you can follow along at home.Peloton at Domain NORTHSIDE is located at 11701 Domain Boulevard. For store hours and more details, go to PelotonCycle.com.

Sponsored by Domain NORTHSIDE. Opinions expressed by guests on this program are solely those of the guest(s) and are not endorsed by this television station.

KXAN.com provides commenting to allow for constructive discussion on the stories we cover. In order to comment here, you acknowledge you have read and agreed to our Terms of Service. Users who violate these terms, including use of vulgar language or racial slurs, will be banned. If you see an inappropriate comment, please flag it for our moderators to review.

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A New Spin on Fitness - KXAN.com

09/03/2017 21:11, Report by Adam Marshall

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has admitted Henrikh Mkhitaryan is not yet back to full fitness with three games to come next week for the Reds.

Following the 1-1 draw at FC Rostov, in which Micki scored on his return to the side after a hamstring injury, United face trips to Chelsea [in the Emirates FA Cup] and Middlesbrough [in the Premier League] either side of the return leg with the Russians next Thursday.

It is a demanding schedule but the Armenia captain came through the Europa League tie unscathed, despite a poor playing surface, and impressed in a free role behind target man Zlatan Ibrahimovic before being replaced by substitute Anthony Martial.

"We know he cannot play 90 minutes," Mourinho said. "We knew he would only play 60 minutes - it doesn't matter [what] the result [was], we made that decision together as he is not in the best condition.

"We gave him freedom to play in attacking positions with Zlatan, to try to find spaces to score. He did well and managed to finish the game without injury, which is important for us."

Here is the original post:
Mourinho assesses Mkhitaryan's fitness - ManUtd.com

Combating childhood obesity has become a recent focus for trainers at West Hills Fitness, located at 1753 Lyter Drive.

As it appears that obesity among youths is becoming an epidemic inthe area and across the nation, West Hills Fitness co-owner Kelly Morgan said it is important to encourage and influence the areas youth to live a healthy lifestyle.

Summer is coming, and we want to target the younger people who are not necessarily labeled as athletes, she said.

Technology keeps many children today on the couch and inactive, Morgan said.

The goal is to get them up and get them moving, she said.

The fitness centers new program, Fit 4 Life, will teach young peopleto embrace exercise while having fun andlearning the building blocks of fitness, Morgan said.

Fit 4 Life classes will include sports drills and skills, motor skills development and enhancement, nutritional guidance for parents from a registered dietician and much more.

The six-week camp is open to boys and girls ages 10to 17.

The registration deadline is March 18, andthe first day of camp is scheduled for March 19.

Weve got to attack obesity before it becomes a problem, said West Hills Fitness in-house trainer, Greg Nash.

While studying for his strength and conditioning certification,Nash saidhe came across an alarming statistic.

Sixty percent of all U.S. kids are facing obesity or are already morbidly obese, he said.

Nash believes that by confronting obesity at an early age, a personcan live longer, healthier and happier life.

Living a healthy lifestyle is not just about shedding unwanted weight, he said, becauseit also plays a huge rolein maintaining a healthy state of mind.

But obesity, Nash said, can lead toother serious health issues such asdiabetes and high blood pressure.

I love to see kids grow and see them get in shape, Nash said.

I think Im on the path of setting them up for a successful lifestyle by reaching out tothem early abouttaking care of their bodies, being disciplined and getting in shape.

What I am aiming for with this camp is to start laying the building the blocks for a successful lifestyle for these young kids.

Children can register for the Fit 4 Life camp by having a parent or guardian stop atWest Hills Fitness, Richland Fitness or Ebensburg Fitness, or by calling 525-4829.

Ronald Fisher is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. Follow him on Twitter @FisherSince_82.

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New camp to help kids on lifetime path to fitness - TribDem.com

Success on the race course is a measure of our preparation, and when racing a Laser, physical preparation is a high priority. The Laser class posted their top 5 tips to improve sailing fitness, but if you sail any boat that demands a high level of physical exertion, these tips are for you too.

Tip #1 Cross Training The best thing about cross training is that if you do it right, it wont seem like work. You can combine a couple or a number of different forms of physical activity into a few days or weekly rotation to keep yourself challenged. This can be jogging and tennis or swimming and biking or just about anything that gets your heart pumping. The key is to get your heart pumping. Plus, when you participate in different physical activities you end up exercising different muscle as well as the thinking part of your brain.

Tip #2 Cardio/Aerobic Work Speaking of getting your heart pumping, cardio and aerobic work are targeted specifically at heart health. Activities that assist in building heart strength and stamina include running on a treadmill, using a rowing machine or a cross-trainer. The more your heart beats, the more blood it sends to the rest of your body. When blood moves into muscles it gains strength and power and increases stamina.

Tip #3 Strength Training for Laser Sailing Fitness We are talking about primarily pumping iron. This means free weights, dumb bells, bar bells and various machines you would find in a gym that forces you to work against resistance. Weight training not only builds strength, it can also give you that hidden extra push while Laser class sailing. Extra power in legs, arms, abs and back resulting from weight training can prove to be your secret weapon out on the water. The important thing to remember with any weight lifting program is to concentrate on proper technique for best results and less chance of injury.

Tip #4 Nutrition While you may think the food you eat will not have much effect on your Laser sailing fitness, there is an important connection. What you use to fuel your body comes from the food you consume. Eating junk food filled with empty calories will not help you much on race day. When you eat properly, your body absorbs the nutrients and protein it gathers from a good diet. They get stored for when you need them most and they get sent to the muscles screaming for extra power. A well balanced diet, with some extra carbs, protein and good hydration on race day, will give you the juice you need to win races.

Tip #5 Rest and Recovery Like a well-oiled machine that performs at the top of its class, if you look after it, it can perform at its peak for longer. However, in order to keep that machine running smoothly without the possibility of breaking down, you need to maintain it. Your body is the same. Rest and recovery is as important as training. Without rest periods your muscles will cramp and fail you when you need them most. Without break time your mind will also let you down by not performing at its sharpest. The last thing you want to do is get burnt out.

Make sure that you check out this short video with Olympic gold medalist Paul Goodison

How serious are you with your sailing fitness? As the saying goes, the best defense is a strong offense. The stronger you become both mentally and physically, the better you will become at coping with the stresses associated with competition sailing. You need to be sharp, prepared and capable in order to win.

If you want to improve your sailing fitness, you need to be disciplined and focused. If it was easy, then everyone would be doing it. So put in the hard yards, and you will see results.

Originally posted here:
Five Fitness Tips for Sailing - Scuttlebutt Sailing News

Missing Richard Simmons is the latest craze captivating podcast listeners. In it, a one-time friend of Simmons, Dan Taberski, investigates the fitness gurus life in recent years. Simmons hasnt been seen in public since 2014.

Simmons rep has rejected the claims in the podcast, but that hasnt stopped fans from listening.

Missing Richard Simmons has reached No. 1 on the iTunes podcast charts, and many fans are calling it the new Serial, referencing the addictive The American Life podcast of 2014.

New episodes of the podcast are released on Wednesdays, and if you havent tuned in yet, theres plenty youve missed. This week, Taberski tries to track down two people he claims are still in contact with Simmons.

If youre curious about what all the hype is about, here are some of the most-shocking revelations from Missing Richard Simmons so far.

[SPOILER ALERT: Stop reading here if you havent listened to the most-recent episode of Missing Richard Simmons.]

Simmons may not have shut everyone out During the most recent episode of Missing Richard Simmons, Taberski travels to Mississippi to speak with someone named Elijah who he says may still be communicating with Simmons. Elijah avoided speaking with Taberski and his team.

The podcast also speculates Simmons still communicates with his brother, Leonard, who lives in New Orleans. Taberski tracks down Lenny Simmons, who shuts the door in his face and refuses to speak to him in person.

His brother seems confused by Richards isolation In a preview for next weeks episode, Taberski tracks Lenny Simmons down on the phone, and Lenny is heard explaining, Hes not angry with anybody. I dont understand it. I wish I did.

According to Taberski, Simmons manager says hes not sick There has been speculation that a grave illness has sent Simmons into isolation. Taberski insists its not the case.

Taberski says in the latest episode, Ive known Richards manager for a few years now, and I asked him off the record really early on in this process if there was something serious going on, like illness, so that I would know just to leave it be, but he still said no, hes fine, and he still maintains [that].

Richard cried during workout classes, attendees said Taberski called the classes, which he attended for a time, an emotional ritual, almost, for everyone involved.

He said the fitness star would break down in tears mid-class.

It has happened in every class Ive ever been to, Taberski says.

His friend, who attended a class once, described the moment when Simmons began crying.

It was out of control crying, she said. At the time I am thinking it was scary.

Simmons supposedly called fans at home The podcast takes time to interview a fan who says she met Simmons in 1994 and gave him a note with her telephone number.

You have to understand: I am in Nebraska, a woman named Kathy says on the podcast. I was a 450-lb hairdresser. All of a sudden, Richard Simmons jumps in my life who is full of color and I feel, suddenly, hope.

Kathy claims the two spoke at least once a week and sometimes Simmons would confide in her about matters in his life. The podcast hints Kathy was one of many fans Simmons spoke to on the phone.

He would wake up at 4 in the morning and reach out to 30, 40, 50 people with phone calls and emails, Taberski told Yahoo News. It was sustained relationships that lasted years, sometimes decades.

Richard hadnt been to someones house in 7 years In its first episode, the podcast replays an interview Simmons did before he disappeared from the limelight in which he says, I live a very recluse life. This is about the most hanging out Ive done four people in a room. I teach my class, I kiss everybody, I take hundreds of photos and I go home. I socialize with no one.

The star says during the years-old chat he hadnt been to someones home in seven years and only had people at his home for business meetings.

Simmons ghosted 94-year-old second-mother A woman named Jerry speaks to Taberski during the podcast and she is described as being like a second mother to Simmons. He can be heard on the podcast speaking at her small 90th birthday party, which only included close family and friends, and though they spoke very often before he vanished from the public eye, she hasnt heard from him since.

On the podcast, a concerned Jerry begs Taberski for updates on her pal.

What do you know? Anything? I miss him very much, Jerry says.

Simmons' home has no buzzer Taberski attempts to find Simmons at home and speak to him, but he cant figure out how to let anyone inside know he is standing outside of the home.

Theres no buzzer, theres no doorbell, theres no knocker Theres no way of reaching people inside besides screaming, he describes.

Simmons housekeeper eventually steps out to take out the trash, briefly recognizes Taberski dismisses him, avoiding his questions about the famous fitness guru.

At least 1 person still thinks Simmons is being controlled by his housekeeper Mauro Oliveira, Simmons former masseuse, says on the podcast he attempted to interact with the star and Simmons longtime housekeeper stopped him.

Oliveira describes what he says happened when he was in Simmons mansion one day.

She starts screaming like a witch, No, get out, get out Richard looked at me and said You gotta go.

Oliveira claims he asked Simmons directly if the housekeeper was controlling your life now? to which he claims Simmons said, Yes.

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Richard Simmons brother speaks out on podcast - Fox News

Improving your overall health and fitness level might be as simple as spending more time in the great outdoors and less time in the waiting room.

The United States Surgeon General recognized walking as one of the single most important things people can do for their health and promoted it with the Step it Up! The Surgeon Generals Call to Action to Promote Walking and Walkable Communities program.

Local organizations are doing their part to motivate people to lace up their walking shoes. Five Rivers MetroParks, in conjunction with Dayton Childrens and Community Health Centers of Greater Dayton, is offering a program that connects medicine and nature. Walk with a Doc is designed to encourage healthy physical activity in people of all ages. Participants can spend time with a local physician and improve their overall fitness without making an appointment.

This effort fits in well with our mission and that of the Leave No Child Inside initiative, said Doug Horvath, MetroParks education coordinator. The doctor is another voice from the community that people trust.

The next Walk with a Doc event is slated for March 25 at Englewood MetroPark.

One of our roles has been to encourage them to locate at park facilities with nature play nearby, Horvath said. We know how beneficial nature play is.

According to Horvath, the benefits of nature play can run the gamut from helping to mitigate hyperactivity to improving eye development and creating a greater sense of inquiry.

Walk with a Doc got its start in 2005 with Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist from Columbus, who had a strong desire to effect behavior change in his patients. A decade later, the program stretches from coast to coast. A few local practices host Walk with a Doc events in addition to this new MetroParks program.

The walk encourages people to get outside and connect to nature, and allows physicians to engage with community members while being active, said Lauren Lemons, MetroParks community engagement coordinator. Dayton Childrens physicians will be available to answer questions during the program, so its a great opportunity for parents and families.

The walks are designed with adults and children in mind along easily navigable MetroParks trails. Horvath is hopeful that the program will extend throughout the year and incorporate other MetroParks facilities around the Miami Valley.

While the benefits of walking are plentiful, the benefit of a newfound appreciation of the great outdoors is priceless.

It opens up a lifetime of free entertainment, Horvath said with a smile.

WALK WITH A DOC

What: A guided hike with a local physician sponsored by Five Rivers MetroParks, Dayton Childrens and the Community Health Centers of Greater Dayton

When: March 25, 10 a.m.

Where: Englewood MetroPark, Patty Shelter

Free and open to the public

WHY WALK?

Walking can:

Excerpt from:
Walk with a Doc is a prescription for fun and fitness - Dayton Daily News

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