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Last updated on Friday, August 31, 2018
(BLOOMINGTON) - Mayor John Hamilton and the City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department are taking steps — literally — to combat the nation’s leading cause of death.
Hamilton will host the city's first "Move with the Mayor Challenge," a month-long series of walks designed to put residents on the path to a healthier heart. According to the National Forum for Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention (NFHDSP), walking just 30 minutes a day can significantly cut the risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.
The first walk in the series takes place Thursday, September 6 at 6 p.m. at Griffy Lake Nature Preserve, 3300 North Headley Road. Participation is free, and registration is not required. The Mayor will lead a one-mile, group walk on the hiking trail at Griffy Lake. Participants are invited to walk at their own pace. Subsequent walks will take place on the following schedule:
Thursday, Sept. 13, 6 p.m. at the Clear Creek Trail, Church Lane Trailhead
Thursday, Sept. 20, 6 p.m. at Olcott Park, Howard Young Pavilion
Thursday, Sept. 27, 6 p.m. at Southeast Park
Saturday, Sept. 29, 10 a.m. on the B-Line Trail; meet at 9:30 a.m. to walk to the Bloomington Community Farmers' Market
Community Farmers' Market
"We're learning more and more about the role that the built landscape plays in individual health outcomes," said Hamilton. "Bloomington has miles of trails and acres of parks that are easily accessible and free to use, so exploring our beautiful city can be part of pursuing a healthy lifestyle."
According to the NFHDSP, heart disease kills more than 600,000 Americans every year--yet surveys show most people are not aware that heart disease kills more people than all types of cancer combined.
"Cardiovascular disease is a silent epidemic that is America's number one cause of death," said John Clymer, NFHDSP executive director. "But it doesn't have to be this way. Walking helps reduce the chances of dying from heart disease."
Mayor Hamilton said his goal is to get as many of Bloomington's residents walking as possible.
"Not just on September 6, but every day of the week," Hamilton said.
For more information about the "Move with the Mayor" walks planned in Bloomington, visit bloomington.in.gov/parks or call 812-349-3771.
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