Staying in step with laughter and friendship.
By Nate Paige
A brisk walk does a body good – in more ways than one.
Not only can regularly-scheduled walks boost brain health and assist in weight management, walks also strengthen bones and muscles and help reduce the risk of disease.
And that’s where the Walking Buddies Club comes in.
A brisk walk does a body good – in more ways than one.
Organized by Rhonda Miller, program coordinator for the Shaker Heights Recreation Department, the Walking Club meets every other Tuesday at Cleveland Heights Community Center, 1 Monticello Blvd., during winter and at Southerly Park the rest of the year. Hosted by Miller and staff members of University Hospitals, the walks are geared toward retirees.
“The club began as a suggestion from seniors participating in the fitness classes at the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Community Building,” says Miller. “Partnering with UH brought in additional support and health advice to enhance our club. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re an experienced walker or just starting out. The group not only offers exercise and health tips, but it’s also full of laughter and friendship.”
Nurses Emily Maxwell and Andreea Widlak, both of University Hospitals Ahuja Medical Center Outreach Program, alternate giving pre-walk talks about a variety of health-related topics.
Health professionals from University Hospitals provide health-related tips before the walk.
“We try to incorporate health and wellness topics for the participants, such as stroke, heart health, nutrition and physical therapy,” says Maxwell.
This is the second year for the Walking Buddies and Widlak is impressed with the growing interest by residents.
“This past spring we started off with 30 participants,” says Widlak. “It was a big growth compared to last year when, on average, we attracted 7-10 participants, so we’re definitely moving in the right direction. I think it’s been widely successful.”
Mike Hoffman, who has resided in Shaker Heights since 1970, has attended nearly all of this year’s walking events.
“I really enjoy the walks. It’s good exercise and a great way to get out and interact with other residents, as well as take in our beautiful city.”
For more information contact Rhonda Miller at 216-491-2583.
