Join the senior walking challenge!

A group of some Westlake Walkers from last year's senior challenge.

Note: The phone number in the print edition of this article is incorrect. Call 440-899-3544 to register.

You’ve heard this before: Walking is great exercise, ESPECIALLY for seniors. We have known this for a long time. Hippocrates declared that “walking is man’s best medicine.” Unfortunately, it doesn’t make it on our medication lists. Let’s face it, as we age, the urge to become sedentary increases and is accompanied by myriad health problems.

The good news is that people who start a regular walking program reap numerous health benefits including: decreasing their blood pressure, as well as their cholesterol, blood sugar and even stress and depression levels. Furthermore, a walking program improves oxygen to the body, provides for a healthier heart, improves balance and coordination, muscle strength, mobility, eliminates fluid build-up and helps fight weight gain. Taking a 10-minute walk can change your body chemistry enough to boost you out of a bad mood. Do any of these benefits appeal to you? Of course they do. Who doesn’t want to feel better?

Perhaps you lack the motivation to start? Well here's your answer:

The Westlake Center for Community Services is once again participating in the UH St. John Medical Center Senior Wellness and Walking Challenge, and we are in urgent need of team members!  If you are over 50 and want to join our team, please do (you do not have to be a Westlake resident). Consider this your personal invitation.

This six-week program is free of charge. It begins and ends with health and wellness screenings at St. John Medical Center. Join our Westlake Senior Challenge Team by calling 440-899-3544. You will then be asked to report to UH SJMC Auditorium B, Building 2, on Friday, June 2, anytime between 9:00 a.m. and noon, and once again on July 7. You will have your cholesterol, blood glucose, blood pressure, BMI and waist circumference measured. After that, things are looking up! 

A pedometer will be provided to you for step-tracking (you will report the total number at the end of the six weeks). If you have a little time, you can also stay and warm-up with a physical therapist and take an inaugural group-walk around the hospital campus track. Opportunities to hear other health presentations within this six-week period will be announced, although attendance is not a team requirement.

The program ends with an awards ceremony and luncheon. Prizes will be awarded for those who take the most steps as well as most improved biometric results. The real prize, however, is in knowing that you have created a positive habit and have walked your way to a healthier you! 

What are you waiting for? If you have questions, or want to join the team, call 440-899-3544. Put your best foot forward and walk for life!