News

June 25, 2007

Another registration set for walking program

Times Leader staff

WILKES-BARRE – The Wilkes-Barre City Health Department will hold an additional registration for its walking program – Steps Around Wilkes-Barre – from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday at the Kirby Health Center, 71 N. Franklin St.

The eight-week, low-impact walking program, is designed to educate participants on the value of increasing their daily steps, which can lead to a healthier lifestyle through everyday activities. Steps Around Wilkes-Barre begins May 21 and concludes July 9.

Bridget Giunta, administrative coordinator for the city, said participants will receive a pedometer, a walking log to record their progress, motivational support and incentives for participating in and completing the program. Giunta said each participant who completes the program will get a free one-month membership to the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA.

According to the city health department, the walking program idea comes from a Japanese researcher who recommends 10,000 steps per day as part of one’s fitness regimen. That goal, the researcher said, is attainable regardless of a person’s weight or cardiovascular fitness levels. Research shows that on average, a person walks 3,000 to 5,000 steps per day and walking an additional 5,000 to 7,000 steps per day has significant health benefits – such as reducing the risks of cancer, osteoporosis and heart disease, as well as increasing energy levels.

For more information, contact the Wilkes-Barre City Health Department at 208-4268, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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