Walking Toward Health on Our Faith Journey

Studies over the last 20 years show that 64% of adults in the United States are overweight.  Obesity is now an epidemic and its effects on health include higher incidence of chronic hypertension, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Exercise is beneficial in combating both obesity and its consequences. Changing your lifestyle to include regular, daily exercise is better for your health than episodic bursts of physical activity in the midst of an otherwise sedentary life. 

The Grace Health Cabinet has developed a walking program called "Walking Toward Health on Our Faith Journey" to encourage congregation members to be more active. Participants purchase a step-counting pedometer and wear it all day, every day. The goal is to walk 10,000 steps a day. With 2000 steps to a mile, this works out to 5 miles a day, or 35 miles each week. 

Every fourth Sunday of the month, Health Cabinet volunteers are in the Grace atrium to record participants' steps. Each person is assigned a number,and their steps are tracked with pins on a map of Paul's three missionary journeys posted on the bulletin board near the Parish Nurse office.  Following these journeys of Paul is a great way to maintain motivation and encourage spiritual growth while walking toward health.  Participants in the program report losing weight, feeling more energetic and improving their sense of well-being.