Take A Walk, Boost Your Health

By Kendra Bobowick

“Do you walk everyday, Donna?” asked Aldina Ferreira.

“I try to. I try,” answered Health District Director Donna Culbert as she, Ms Ferreira, and other town staff crossed the parking lot near the Newtown Municipal Center, slipped between former state hospital buildings on the grounds of Fairfield Hills, and approached a former utility building now used as the Emergency Operating Center. From there the group including Tax Assessor Chris Kelsey, Parks and Recreation Director Amy Mangold, and Land Use Director George Benson stepped across a field of gravel and grass where they picked up a paved trail leading through meadows, and sprawling hills bordered by mature trees.

All town personnel, friends, and family interested in recognizing the American Heart Association’s National Start! Walking Day joined Ms Culbert on one of two walks planned through Fairfield Hills Tuesday to prompt people to get out and exercise.

She sent a memo prompting, “Lets’ go for a walk tomorrow,” which saw a good response from the town staff. Their route meandered roughly one and a half miles through the campus. Bring Sneakers! Visit www.StartWalkingNow.org for the positive health benefits of walking, one of the “simplest positive changes you can make to improve your health,” Ms Culbert’s memo states.

During the walk she noted that enough activity to increase the heart rate even slightly is beneficial. “Renew your commitment to walking,” she said. “It’s a great thing you can do and the investment is only a pair of sneakers.” Walking also allows a person time to see the landscape, architecture, and details often missed from inside a moving vehicle. “Get out there!” she urged.

Also walking Wednesday were Kim Cadena, Carol Mahoney, Sheila Cole, Kathy Favreau, Ann Astarita, and Sue Marcinek.