KING COUNTY, WASHINGTON - It’s an easy, low-cost, stress-reducing way to include physical activity in your day and improve your health. This National Public Health Week, Public Health is celebrating an under-appreciated activity by encouraging people to enjoy a walk for better health, and hosting two special, community walks in downtown Seattle.
Anyone may join Public Health and King County employees in 30-minute lunchtime walks on Wednesday, April 4th and Thursday, April 5th from 12:30 – 1 p.m. Each walk will start outside at the corner of 3rd and Marion, 999 3rd Avenue in Seattle. Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County, will lead Wednesday’s walk and King County Councilmember and Board of Health Chair Julia Patterson will lead Thursday’s walk.
In support of Public Health and National Public Health Week, King County Executive Ron Sims and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels have declared April 2-8 Public Health Week for King County and Seattle.
"Chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease are serious threats to our quality of life, and obesity is a leading reason,” said Executive Ron Sims. “We’re on the right track in King County in making our communities more livable, and making it easier for people to walk and stay active is a key part of this strategy for better health."
Through programs such as the Overweight Prevention Initiative and King County Steps to a Health, King County is working with community partners to implement strategies that help people of all ages, races and ethnicities to eat better and be more active in all areas of life.
"Walking is a fun way to stay healthy and active," said Mayor Greg Nickels. "And it's an easy thing to do in Seattle. Give it a try and explore all of the trails and paths available for walkers."
"Walking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve your health and feel great,” said Dr. Fleming. “I encourage people to use their lunch hour to join us or find time on their own or with friends and family to take a walk."
"Walking is a great way to ease into an exercise program, and it’s something that almost everyone can enjoy. As part of King County’s work to address obesity, I’m pleased that we can offer one more opportunity for people to get and stay active," said Board of Health Chair Patterson.
While walking is an easy and enjoyable way to exercise, it is important to remember to do it safely. Remember to walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic. Only cross at crosswalks, and consider wearing reflective clothing if walking at night. Drivers should take caution as well:
- Give priority to pedestrians, even at unmarked crosswalks
- Always stop at least 30 feet before the crosswalk
- Set the pace for other cars by driving the speed limit
- Walk the short trips between destinations
- Park properly and don’t block crosswalks
Additional tips may be found at the Feet First website at www.feetfirst.info.
For more information about physical activity, nutrition and local activity resources, including suburban walking maps, visit the Public Health Week Web site www.metrokc.gov/health/phweek.
Providing effective and innovative health and disease prevention services for over 1.8 million residents and visitors of King County, Public Health – Seattle & King County works for safer and healthier communities for everyone, every day.
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