IN THE CITY
By Chris Beaulieu
Welcome 2017. It’s New Year’s resolution time. Don’t have one yet? I have one that is very simple yet can actually change your life; walk.
Most of us don’t think much about the benefits of walking, but it is really quite amazing how good it actually is for you. No matter what age, walking is one of the best activities you can do for yourself. Walking can strengthen bones and muscles, help control weight and improve circulation, while reducing threats of a stroke, heart disease, cancer and osteoporosis. It improves memory, learning and cognition and decreases the risk of Alzheimer’s.
Walking reduces stress, improves sleep, gives you time to think and generally makes you feel better. All of these benefits equal up to one important point, you live longer.
One study states by walking regularly, one can actually add as many as seven years onto your life. That means more birthdays, more Christmases, and more time with the grandkids. As the term goes, “it’s a no brainer.”
Do yourself and your loved ones a favor, get out there and walk.
Where you ask? Walking outside is the best place to walk. Our community provides over four miles of a biking/walking path to enjoy the fresh air. Staff work hard to make the path available year-round, even during our crazy winter months.
Of course, not everyone is able or interested in walking in the icy conditions. The Sargent Family Community Center offers the perfect place to get some indoor walking in. Our beautiful new facility has a walking track with three lanes. We are open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekends and there is no fee for anyone, regardless of where you live.
The University of Maine at Presque Isle also offers a great indoor walking track and the Aroostook Centre Mall encourages folks to walk at their facility as well. Our area offers many opportunities to get some walking in, no matter one’s schedule. Make walking at least 20 minutes a day be your resolution this year and impact your life for the better.
Chris Beaulieu is director of Presque Isle Recreation & Parks. He can be reached at 764-2545 or via email at cbeaulieu@presqueisleme.us.
