Fri, Aug 29 2008
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Published July 18, 2008 12:45 pm - Out for a stroll Thursday night’s ‘Walk This Weigh’ dovetailed ‘Movies in the Park’ – both designed to bring the community together. By TEDDYE SNELL TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — Area residents took steps to improve their health Thursday evening, despite the heat, by participating in Cherokee County Health Coalition’s “Walk This Weigh” event at Norris Park.
The walk was the second of the year, which are generally held quarterly. “We’re holding this in conjunction with Tahlequah MainStreet Association’s Movies In The Park event, hoping to draw even more participants,” said MainStreet Director Danny Perry. “Instead of just having walks every quarter, we’re going to hold one before each movie event, as well as spotlighting other community happenings, like NSU’s homecoming.” Cherokee County Health Coalition Coordinator Josh Daily was handing out pedometers to each participant, with the promise of additional gifts after the walk’s completion. Daily learned that, according to a recent report by Trust for America’s Health, spending just $10 a year per person for five years on community awareness programs like Daily’s could cut health costs substantially nationwide. “I believe there’s a definite need to invest in preventive care,” he said. “There is proof to show that preventative measures cut both direct and indirect health care costs over the long term.” Daily’s program has partners that help provide T-shirts, bottled water, snacks and other items. Partners include the Cherokee Nation’s Healthy Nation program, Tahlequah’s MainStreet Association, Tahlequah City Hospital and NEOHealth. According to CCHD staffer Lynn McAllister, each walk lasts about 45 minutes to an hour, and covers about 1.1 to 1.2 miles. “It depends on the route we take,” she said. “We start here at Norris Park and either walk to the Cherokee Courthouse Square and back, or we’ll take the history trail.” McAllister was impressed by one participant at the previous event. “There was a gentlemen here who was a double-amputee,” said McAllister. “He arrived in a wheelchair, but had two prosthetic legs. He walked a good part of the distance, trying out his new prosthetics. Now that takes determination and courage, especially in heat like this.” Tahlequah MainStreet board member William Lowe played on the playground equipment with his daughters before the event. “I enjoy coming out in the evening like this,” he said. “I definitely support the efforts of Walk This Weigh to promote a healthy lifestyle, and I also come out to show my support for my community.” Lowe and his family planned to stay for the movie after the walk. “The girls have been talking about the movie all week,” he said. “It’s a small incentive to get the girls moving and stay healthy.” 
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