Cities Turn to Walkability for Public Health Boost

Popularity of Morning Walks May Shape the Pedestrian Streetscape of Central Florida

Friday, May 31, 2013 - 02:27 PM
By Alicia Mandigo : WMFE


What started as a mayor's morning walk for a healthier staff and community is expanding into a renewed dialogue about pedestrians in Central Florida.

In three small cities in the region, Maitland, Winter Park and Eatonville, city officials have initiated a series of morning walks. The walks are popular with residents trying to improve their health, like Sarah Williams.

“After seeing someone that was close to me have a stroke at the age of 46, it was an eye opener for me,” said Williams, who is overweight, pre-diabetic, and struggles with high blood pressure.

When she heard about the morning walks last November, she decided to join in and walk with all three cities. In less than six months, she’s lowered her blood pressure enough to go off one of her meds her blood glucose levels dropped by two points. “I didn’t lose a lot of weight, but I went down two dress sizes,” says Williams. ..................(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.wnyc.org/blogs/transportation-nation/2013/may/31/popularity-morning-walks-may-shape-pedestrian-streetscape-central-florida/