On the move: New Walking Club Forms
LINCOLN COUNTY – The steps and the social interaction of are of equal measure for Lincoln County Wellness Walkers, a new walking club that began earlier this month and aims to help people be their healthiest.
“Part of my vision was to form a community of individuals who can motivate and encourage each other into wellness, social connection, and safety,” said Shannon Burkemper, chief medical officer for the Lincoln County Ambulance District. “We hope to have guest walkers who will come out to answer questions, demonstrate, and possibly provide feedback.”
The new club is for people of all ages and meets every Tuesday regardless of walking status — be it a beginner, intermediate, or expert walker. The new initiative came out a brainstorming session between the Lincoln County Ambulance District and the Lincoln County Health Department. The first walk occurred April 8 with 20 walkers.
“Walking is an easy, no-cost way to get active,” said Sarah Valenza, Lincoln County Health Department spokesperson. “It doesn’t require any special skills or equipment and it’s easy to get started. Walking can help you maintain a healthy weight and may lower your risk of high blood pressure, health disease, and diabetes. It can also strengthen your bones and muscles.”
Walking at a rapid pace at a minimum of 150 minutes per week, according to the American Heart Association, can help with blood sugar, blood pressure, a good night’s sleep, and possibly lessen osteoporosis risk. Additionally, experts say walking be an added health benefit when it comes to obesity. In a series last year, the Lincoln County Journal reported on the county’s high obesity rate, which was at 43% in 2021, per Valenza.
“Our hope is that community members can make meaningful connections with others while staying healthy at the same time. We would love to see Lincoln County be the healthiest county in Missouri,” Valenza said. “There are many benefits to walking with friends or in groups. Socializing is good for your mental health and helps with brain health. We hope that creating this group with a regular schedule will help provide with accountability and motivation to get out and exercise.”
Currently, Lincoln County Wellness Walkers meets Tuesdays 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Weinand Park, located at 1305 Boone Street in Troy. Ultimately, the plan is to rotate locations throughout the county and have guest walkers speaking on topics such as yoga.
“Part of my vision was to form a community of individuals who can motivate and encourage each other into wellness, social connection, and safety,” said Shannon Burkemper, chief medical officer for the Lincoln County Ambulance District. “We hope to have guest walkers who will come out to answer questions, demonstrate, and possibly provide feedback.”
The new club is for people of all ages and meets every Tuesday regardless of walking status — be it a beginner, intermediate, or expert walker. The new initiative came out a brainstorming session between the Lincoln County Ambulance District and the Lincoln County Health Department. The first walk occurred April 8 with 20 walkers.
“Walking is an easy, no-cost way to get active,” said Sarah Valenza, Lincoln County Health Department spokesperson. “It doesn’t require any special skills or equipment and it’s easy to get started. Walking can help you maintain a healthy weight and may lower your risk of high blood pressure, health disease, and diabetes. It can also strengthen your bones and muscles.”
Walking at a rapid pace at a minimum of 150 minutes per week, according to the American Heart Association, can help with blood sugar, blood pressure, a good night’s sleep, and possibly lessen osteoporosis risk. Additionally, experts say walking be an added health benefit when it comes to obesity. In a series last year, the Lincoln County Journal reported on the county’s high obesity rate, which was at 43% in 2021, per Valenza.
“Our hope is that community members can make meaningful connections with others while staying healthy at the same time. We would love to see Lincoln County be the healthiest county in Missouri,” Valenza said. “There are many benefits to walking with friends or in groups. Socializing is good for your mental health and helps with brain health. We hope that creating this group with a regular schedule will help provide with accountability and motivation to get out and exercise.”
Currently, Lincoln County Wellness Walkers meets Tuesdays 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Weinand Park, located at 1305 Boone Street in Troy. Ultimately, the plan is to rotate locations throughout the county and have guest walkers speaking on topics such as yoga.
No pre-registration is required and there is no cost to participate.
It is advised to check the Facebook pages of the Lincoln County Ambulance District and Lincoln County Health Department for poor weather conditions or cancellations in advance.
It is recommended walkers wear clothing that is comfortable to move in and also wearing comfortable walking shoes are best practice. Terrain at the park is paved and a little inclined.
“It doesn’t matter where you are in your health and fitness journey. Everyone has something to contribute, regardless of their story,” Burkemper said.
