Health Benefits
Ask your doctor! I did, and every doctor I've talked to in Henry County acknowledges the people of Henry County are too sedentary. What does that mean? We don't move enough.
And it shows.
Our rate of obesity is high, even for Indiana, and we see the health consequences every day. Henry County has a very high rate of stroke and heart disease. And one of the best ways to prevent these illnesses is pure and simple exercise. The treatment is inexpensive and easy. It just takes a pair of comfortable shoes and a place to walk.
Did you know cancer is also related to increased obesity? Breast cancer and colon cancer, both seen way too often in Henry County, are associated with obesity. All over the country we are seeing increased Type 2 Diabetes due to the increasing obesity of our population. The side effects of this diabetes can be devastating: from loss of eyesight, to foot ulcers, and even amputation.
How can you prevent diabetes and lessen the consequences if you already have it? Exercise. So often we see women suffering from the consequences of weakened bones from osteoporosis. A simple fall can end up with a broken hip and the need for a major operation. Many women have exquisite back pain—from the fractured vertebrae in their backs from osteoporosis.
What can prevent osteoporosis? Would you guess weight-bearing exercise like walking helps build bone structure and prevent these devastating fractures? Arthritis causes so much pain as people struggle with simple life tasks. Again, exercise helps keep the weight off of your knees and feet, helping prevent the development of arthritis.
Sleep problems? Every hospital I visit is now adding sleep labs as we recognize the effects of sleep disorders among our population. And every lecturer I hear mentions that most sleep disorders could be prevented by losing weight.
Exercise helps lift depression.
Exercise can bring people together for positive social interactions. And what is the most effective way to get a sedentary person to begin to exercise? Simple walking. Maybe a mile, maybe just half a mile to start.
And medical research has even shown what a community needs to get more people walking. We need a place to walk that is:
- Attractive
- Convenient
- Safe
Now I love Baker Park, and it warms my heart to see all those people walking past the FUN playground getting their exercise. But medical statistics show we are not walking enough. So let's add to the wonderful amenities of this community by adding a trail, maybe a series of interconnecting trails. And give everyone a new place to walk, to ride, to rollerblade and to enjoy the beautiful outdoors of Henry County.