Westlake Compeer is calling all walkers for a cause

The North Coast Challenge 2-mile walk was held Sept. 1 in Westlake. This event was a great addition to the annual North Coast Challenge 5K run. It was an opportunity for those in our community that are not runners but enjoy walking and the benefits walking provides. Some people power-walked to attempt the fastest times in the timed walk race. Others walked to benefit their bodies, minds and spirits.

I have been seeing more people walking for their health on the sidewalks of Westlake, Bay Village and other local cities. Their exercise attire and their brisk pace show that these walkers are in “the zone” and seriously focused on working out. More often walking is being prescribed by doctors to aid in the recovery of physical and emotional health issues. No matter the reason for walking, regular walking provides scientifically proven benefits to the brain and other body organs. There are many places in the community, like the Westlake Recreation Center, that provide places to walk indoors during harsh weather.

Soon another opportunity to walk in the community for exercise and an important cause will take place. The National Alliance on Mental Illness' annual “NAMI Walks” event for Greater Cleveland will be held Saturday, Sept. 22, at Voinovich Park. NAMI Walks is a mapped-out 2.5-mile walk starting and ending behind the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Many organizational walk teams participate, including our Compeer Club West Walk Team. There is no entrance fee. Walkers can have their dogs join them. 

The Compeer Club West Walk Team is welcoming and encouraging the walkers of Westlake and Bay Village to join us on Sept. 22 to walk, exercise, socialize, sightsee, and support NAMI Greater Cleveland and mental health recovery. All of those can be done during this 2.5-mile walk! How efficient and beneficial. What a great way to spend a morning. The event begins at 10 a.m. Please contact me by phone, 440-835-6212, ext. 242, or email compeer@farwestcenter.com and join our team.    

There is one more thing you may accomplish while walking with our walk team. You may be featured on WKYC Channel 3! This year Amanda Barren, reporter and anchor on Channel 3, is the honorary chair of the NAMI Walks event. WKYC will be there to help NAMI Greater Cleveland raise the public awareness of mental health issues. Perhaps you may get a chance to talk to our local television audience. 

The NAMI Walks cause is an important one. According to NAMI, “every year, regardless of race, age, religion, or economic status, mental illness impacts the lives of at least one in four adults and one in ten children across the United States.” If you are a person that has been walking for your health please join our Compeer Club West NAMI Walks Team and benefit your brain health and the mental wellness of others.