Trek on the track
Wellington…Almost 8 years to the day, Community Care announces that the Wellington Walking Program will move to the indoor track at the new Wellington & District Community Centre. Nestled in the CML Snider Elementary School in Wellington, walkers have enjoyed good health while walking the halls of the school and some will continue at this location.
Prince Edward Community Care for Seniors and the Corporation of the County of Prince Edward are thrilled to be able to offer the program at the new track, data-start=ing on Monday, January 10th.
“We have successfully operated a Walking Program in Picton at Prince Edward Collegiate Institute for over 25 years and added the current Wellington program 8 years ago,” says Debbie MacDonald Moynes, Community Care’s Executive Director. She says “we’re hoping that the many seniors living in Wellington and surrounding areas will take advantage of this new location for the Walking Program.” Barry Braun, Commissioner of Recreation, Parks and Culture for the municipality says, “We are very excited to partner with Community Care and their Walking Program. This is exactly what we were hoping would occur when we were designing the facility to include a Walking Track. The Wellington and District Community Centre will provide participants with a rubberized walking surface, a warm bright atmosphere and a place to sit and visit over a cup of tea or nutritional drink afterward.”
Current participants have this to say about Community Care’s walking program: “I need to walk 3 miles a day for my legs. It is warmer here and the gang who walk are great”. “I walk to get out of the snow and cold in the winter.” “It’s a great way to meet new friends”.
The purpose of the walking program is to provide a safe exercise program that promotes healthy living. Falls are the fourth leading cause of death in seniors and walking outdoors in the winter can be hazardous. Walking inside in a safe environment can be an effective way to stay active. Participants can include seniors, rehabilitation patients, and others interested in the physical benefits and social contacts. Individuals are eligible to join the program, if they feel they would benefit from the exercise of walking and have discussed their participation in the program with their primary care practitioner.
The Prince Edward County Community Care for Seniors Association provides community support services to seniors who reside in Prince Edward. Services include transportation to medical appointments, delivery of hot and frozen meals, foot care clinics, assistance with forms, reassurance checks, respite, home maintenance, and other services that seniors need to help them live at home. To register for the Walking Program (in Wellington or Picton) or for more information call Prince Edward Community Care at 613-476-7493, stop in at the office located at The Armoury, 206 Main Street, Picton.