Health Department Wants Indy to Take a Hike

.....
click here to return to June index

The opinions expressed in these articles and features are those of their author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of McANA or the opinion of its Directors or Officers.

The Marion County Health Department has as its core mission “Building Healthier Neighborhoods”. To further this aim, Doris Parker is setting out to tap the strength of Indy’s Neighborhood Associations to promote fitness and health through walking.

Parker is a worthy ambassador for the Department’s Neighbor to Neighbor Walking Program, which she has helped design. As of now, it has three main objectives:

I.) To establish a broad based planning committee to develop a comprehensive plan for educating members of neighborhood associations and organizations on the benefits of walking,

II.) To plan an event that will publicly launch the Program by September, 2002, and

III.) To hold Healthier Neighborhoods awards within participating neighborhood associations by September 2003.

The whole idea is to create a climate of fun, camaraderie, and some competition to see which neighborhood can bring out the most walkers over the next year. This is all aimed at life-style changes that promote fitness and health. The key is that walking is great exercise that leads to cardio-vascular toning, weight loss, and good health. And the fact that you can do it with others can make it a neighborhood strengthening opportunity as well.

What led to this program is the unfortunate fact that Indianapolis is among the top ten fattest cities in the US. Excess weight is related to such health issues as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and asthma. All of this means that the citizens of Indianapolis are at greater risk for death or disability.

Part of the launch of the Neighbor to Neighbor Walking Program will be “Personal Health Assessment Clinics”. It is anticipated that 4 or 5 Clinics will be held simultaneously through Indianapolis. Included will be health screenings for: blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and education sessions on the benefits of walking, including selecting proper walking shoes.

If you would like to volunteer to serve on the planning committee, arrange for Ms. Parker to speak at your next neighborhood meeting, or just find out more information, call 221-2086.

www.mchd.com