VISUAL MILE MARKERS ENCOURAGE GETTING PHYSICAL
Campaign to Increase Physical Activity and Overall Wellness among Area Residents
Regular physical activity reduces the risk for many chronic diseases, helps to maintain a healthy weight, and strengthens muscles, bones, and joints. Diseases that may be avoided with regular physical activity are diabetes, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, depression, cancer, obesity, asthma and injuries related to falls.
In response to the rising rates of chronic diseases, the Healthy Lynn Partnership at the Health Division of the Inspectional Services Department launched a Walking and Jogging Project to increase physical activity among the residents of Lynn, Nahant and Swampscott. Implemented by Health Intern Jenn Schumann, and with support from the Lynn Department of Public Works, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation the project includes ¼ mile marker medallions along Lynn Shore Drive covering approximately 3 miles. Dubbed The Nahant, Swampscott & Lynn Good Health Partnership, the markers extend along the beach front sidewalk area from The Tides restaurant (2B Wilson Road) to the Red Rock Bistro (141 Humphrey St) in Swampscott. These visual markers encourage efforts made by those walking, running, or bicycling by informing residents how far they have gone. In addition to the physical fitness benefits, the markers are proving to increase the overall use of this wonderful area.
The partnership believes that overall wellness of the residents of Lynn can be improved through increased physical activity and healthy eating habits. A community-wide effort is needed to increase the health of residents through the support of these types of health initiatives. The Nahant, Swampscott & Lynn Good Health Partnership aims to empower residents to take control of their health and to reach their own health “markers”. |
