The Sherborn Council on Aging is encouraging residents to join its new walking challenge and win prizes while they get healthier. The American Heart Association and recent research has shown benefits of walking and moderate exercise (30 minutes a day). Walking can help:
• Reduce the risk of coronary heart disease
• Improve blood pressure, blood sugar levels and lipid profile
• Maintain body weight and lower the risk of obesity
• Enhance mental well being
• Reduce the risk of osteoporosis, breast and colon cancer
• Reduce the risk of non-insulin dependent (type 2) diabetes
Each time a Sherbornite walks with the group, his or her name will be entered in raffle drawing. The more you walk, the greater your chance to win a Fitbit! There is no cost to participate in the program thanks to a grant to the Sherborn Council on Aging from Baypath Elder Services, which receives funding from Title III of the Older Americans Act.
Summer walks take place on Mondays at 9:00 a.m., weather permitting. The best way to get started is to join the Council for walks in August:
• August 15 - Charles River Reservation in Medfield with Kelly McClintock, led by Sherborn Forest and Trail Association. Pre-walk free “trail side breakfast” at 8:30 a.m. will include coffee, water and baked goods.
• August 22 - Powissett/Noanet Woodland walk
The council asks all walkers to pre-register. For more information or to register, contact Laila Vehvilainen at the Sherborn COA via email [email protected] or call (508-651-7858). Every new entrant will receive a pedometer, water bottle, weekly walk schedule and raffle tickets.