Monroe plans to walk it off together

I was pleased to read your editorial “A new focus on weight loss” Dec. 4 urging physicians to prescribe changes in eating and activity patterns as a way to reduce health risks.

The information is there: Outside the physician offices we have everyone from Dr. Atkins to Dr. Phil telling us how we should eat, and exercise gurus telling us how to move. As a community we can help that process along by creating local opportunities and incentives to get even those who rarely exercise to “just do it.”

Valley General Hospital is leading a community-wide effort to get people of all ages up and out. Called “Walkin’ in the Rain,” we are partnering with the City of Monroe, Monroe Chamber, VGH Foundation, Frank Wagner Elementary School, East County Senior Center, Medalia Healthcare and many other businesses on a walking program. We’re setting up routes throughout the city for all levels of walkers. We will be offering incentives of umbrellas, ponchos, tape measures and pedometers. Walkers can keep track of their steps. We’re launching the program with a health screening and walking day Jan. 24 at Valley General and again in April to celebrate walking and weight loss successes with prizes.

From January to April seniors are pairing with fourth graders as “walking buddies.” Business partners are offering coupons to walkers who visit their store. Our goal is to encourage our community to come together and get in the habit of increasing their activity, even if it just means using the stairs rather than an elevator, parking at the far end of the parking lot or simply throwing away the remote. The benefits of walking and weight loss are well-documented: less need for insulin, lower blood pressure, reduced depression, better cardiovascular health, fewer aches and pains. All it takes is setting a reasonable goal and making that commitment to better health, one step at a time.

Director of Community Relations

Valley General Hospital

Monroe