Walk It Out-- for Health!

By Gladys M. Yensi

Since the first week of June I have been a leader of a walking group at Mt. Sinai Medical Center. This walking group is part of a larger city-wide initiative: "The 16-Week Walking Challenge." This initiative was developed by Mentoring in Medicine, Inc. and is sponsored by the Amercian Heart and Stroke Association to mobilize the community to get out there and get active. By becoming active in this endeavor, I have not only made an effort to become a little more active than I used to be, but I have also realized the underlying importance of what the walking challenge represents.

Exercise and healthy diet has been shown to prevent and/or alleviate some of the symptoms of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease, stroke, and hypertension, as well as diabetes. Other lifestyle changes, like the cessation of a smoking habit, also help to ward off some complications of these diseases. Sadly, quitting smoking and not putting those extra two pinches of Goya® Adobo while cooking, are habits that are difficult to get people to change quickly. Perhaps engaging people to participate in low impact exercise is a habit that could be adapted and maintained more easily, especially when encouraged over 16 weeks. Such has been the challenge this summer.

This walking challenge is pertinent to the fundamental values of the Minority Association of Pre-health Students (MAPS). MAPS at CCNY not only has an affiliation with Mentoring in Medicine through Dr. Lynne Holden, but is also associated with the communities that the walking challenge targets; those in urban settings which are underserved-- Harlem and Washington Heights to name a couple. Not only do some of our MAPS members come from similar communities, but some of us may even be afflicted by diabetes or hypertension, or have family members, friends, and neighbors who struggle with these diseases. All members of MAPS aspire to become health care professionals and combat health disparities as leaders in our communities.

It has been fourteen weeks since I committed myself to leading the Mt. Sinai Medical Center group of the walking challenge. During these recent weeks I have worked with old friends and made new friends. We have enjoyed the scenic views of Central Park during our walks on beautiful summer afternoons, and have shared smiles and laughs as I instructed them in basic belly dance moves. There are only four weeks left of the challenge, but it's never too late to start making walking a habit. Furthermore, at the end of the walking challenge in mid-September, there will be a closing ceremony which will acknowledge the walkers and offer the opportunity for a raffle and giveaways. There will also be a free concert for the walking challenge participants. The details of this event has yet to be announced.

There are six walking groups in total from all five boroughs of New York City. The two most conveniently located near CCNY are those stationed at Harlem Hospital and at Mt. Sinai Medical Center. To learn more, please email WalkwithMIM@gmail.com. I hope to see my fellow MAPS members in the upcoming walks :-)