On April 22, Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam announced the WalkWorks Program, a collaboration between the Department of Health and Pennsylvania Downtown Center, is continuing to grow by adding three new partners and locations to its network of 103 walking routes across Pennsylvania.

The new partners are:

-- Bottle Works, Cambria County;

-- Susquehanna Depot Borough, Susquehanna County; and

-- YMCA of Laurel Highlands, Westmoreland County.

“As the weather warms up, outdoor exercise is a great way to stay healthy and prevent weight gain, reduce depression and improve cognitive function in older adults,” Acting Secretary of Health Alison Beam said. “Now more than ever, many of us may feel isolated and getting outside can reconnect us to something larger than ourselves. Physical activity can lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure and premature death. As a reminder, if you are on a walking route, bring a mask along with you in case you encounter others.”

The three new partners are working in their communities to identify potential routes. WalkWorks will provide technical assistance, promotional materials and signs to the new community partners.

“These communities have demonstrated their commitment to expanding opportunities for physical activity in the built environment,” said Carol Reichbaum, M.S.L., M.S.P.A., director of WalkWorks. “Each will engage community members to assist with the identification of a one to two-mile walking route, which can be used by residents and visitors.”

Funding for WalkWorks is provided by the Department of Health through the Preventative Health and Health Services Block Grant and the State Physical Activity and Nutrition Program, both from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

For more information, visit the WalkWorks website.

[Posted: April 22, 2021]

4/26/2021