Get Off on the Right Foot

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DATE:               January 30, 2006

CONTACT:        Jennifer Kennedy

Manager, Marketing/Public Relations

St. Mary Mercy Hospital

734.655.1593 or kennedyj@trinity-health.org

Get off on the Right Foot: Learn about proper shoes, walking club

St. Mary Mercy Hospital’s Walking Club at Westland Shopping Center is sponsoring a presentation called, “Get Off on the Right Foot,” on Wednesday, March 8, from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., in the Westland Shopping Center Community Room. Speaker will be Lora Lazur, from RunningFit of Northville.

To encourage area residents to use walking as a form of exercise, St. Mary Mercy Hospital sponsors this mall-walking program. Studies have shown that walking provides great overall cardiovascular fitness, reduces the risk of cancer and heart disease, lowers cholesterol levels and blood pressure, reduces the risk of arthritis and osteoporosis, and helps alleviate stress and depression. 

“Walking is one of the easiest ways of becoming physically active for most age groups,” said Ginger Ramsay, RN, St. Mary Mercy Hospital Community Outreach.  “Walking can be done anywhere and you don’t need expensive equipment, just a good pair of walking shoes.  In the mall, the weather is always perfect, it is safe and provides an opportunity to socialize,” she added.

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As part of the mall walking programs, the hospital also provides regular blood pressure checks, health education, speakers and special walking activities.  Walkers keep track of miles and earn prizes. Those interested in joining the Westland Walking Club can complete a registration card at Customer Service in the East Court of Westland Mall, located on Wayne and Warren Roads in Westland. 

For more information, contact the Community Outreach Department at St. Mary Mercy Hospital at 734.655.8950, or visit www.stmarymercy.org.

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