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Sanders County Public Health invites the public to take part in Walk with Ease, a self-directed program aimed to increase overall wellness. The program is six weeks long and is constructed to benefit beginners or experienced walkers of all fitness levels.

The exercise program began over a year ago and has been implemented five times during that time. According to co-organizer Sandra Gubel, during each event, there was an average of 15 to 18 participants. “We started with just about 14 county employees the first couple of times,” she stated. “A few community members joined in the fourth and fifth times.”

Throughout the course, participants will have access to an optional Walk with Ease workbook. They will also be provided with weekly email discussions presented by trained walking instructors on walking tips and tools, health topics and encouragement.

The goal is to encourage county and community members to establish a safe and continuous walking routine, resulting in improved functional ability, decreased depression and pain and increased confidence in exercise ability, shared Gubel. She commented that the program is part of the Arthritis Foundation, but involvement is for everyone, not just those with arthritis.

“Participants will walk a minimum of three times a week, either with friends or on their own, and record their walking activity the following week,” reported Gubel. She added that members must complete a registration questionnaire, report weekly walking minutes and complete a questionnaire at the end of the six-week program. In addition, “fun and valuable prizes” may be earned throughout the program as either an individual or as a team (randomly formed).

Registration for this session closes on Friday, October 11. To register visit https://chronicdiseasedata.undeerc.org/PatientPortal/default.aspx?CourseID=2696. Upon registration an email will be sent including a personal identification number for walking program management. More information can be obtained by contacting Gubel at 827-6901 or by emailing her at [email protected]. Karen Morey may also be contacted for information at 827-6925 or [email protected].