Walking is the most accessible activity for persons of all ages, and its benefits include better muscle tone, surer balance, better heart and lung health — plus walking is a great stress reliever.
The Dallas County Public Health Department promotes walking for these reasons and many others, and the Walk With Ease program was developed by the Arthritis Foundation to help patients manage pain.
Walk With Ease is a self-directed program for individuals. You begin and progress at your own pace in order to increase strength and endurance. The program is designed for three sessions per week. You also have the option of a health coach to check in with weekly by phone.
For details, take a look at the Walk with Ease website.
Here in Dallas County, the cost of participating in the six-week program is a mere $10, which includes a booklet available in English or Spanish. Persons over the age of 60 can be reimbursed by Aging Resources of Central Iowa.
According to local physical therapist Trina Radske-Suchan, “As Iowa adapts and responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Walk With Ease program has been a great tool to help people start or stay active and keep social distancing (protected). They receive the support of health coaches to encourage and support them along their six-week program.”
To register for the Walk with Ease program, call 515-635-1285 or email info@chpcommunity.org. Walkers may join the program any time.
Ann Cochran is the health navigation coordinator in the Dallas County Pubic Health Department.
