For Further Information Contact: Donna Leusner
(609) 984-7160
Live Long, Live Well Walking Program Kicks-off Initiative
Encourages Older Adults to Take Steps to Better Health & Fitness
LINCROFT -Following the opening ceremonies of the 16th Annual New
Jersey Senior Olympics, more than 100 athletes took part in a one-mile
walk to kickoff a new state program that encourages older adults
to walk their way to better health and improved physical fitness.
The
Live Long, Live Well Walking Program, a New Jersey Department
of Health and Senior Services' wellness initiative, helps state
residents age fifty and older to begin and continue a walking regimen
of 30 minutes most days of the week.
"Walking is one of the best ways for people of any age to become
and stay fit," said Health and Senior Services Commissioner
Clifton R. Lacy, M.D. "By walking for just a half hour, four
or five times a week, older adults can make major strides toward
preventing diseases such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes, stroke,
osteoporosis and osteoarthritis."
Dr.
Lacy noted that the National Academies' Institute of Medicine recently
recommended that in addition to a well-balanced diet, adults and
children should spend a total of one hour each day in moderately
intense physical activity, double the daily goal set by a Surgeon
General report issued in the mid-1990s.
Live
Long, Live Well participants receive a free walker's logbook
with helpful hints to make walking a safe, fun and beneficial experience.
Participants can walk alone, with a friend or with a group, and
each walker gradually works up to walking the equivalent of two
miles per day, four days a week. Participants track their progress
in the logbook and those who walk regularly for 12 consecutive weeks
receive a Live Long, Live Well Walking Program Certificate
of Achievement.
"Inactivity
is a significant public health threat in this country that cuts
across all generations," said Dr. Lacy. "We are hopeful
that, during the next year, through the Live Long, Live Well
Walking Program, more than 5,000 New Jersey seniors will become
more active, healthy and physically fit."
Older
adults, local walking clubs and other interested individuals and
groups wishing to learn more about the Live Long, Live Well Walking
Program and obtain free copies of the walker's logbook are encouraged
to call 609-943-3498 or e-mail
, visit
the department's webpage at www.state.nj.us/health/senior/walking.
