Are you up to the challenge? Local churches and schools have accepted the challenge to live a healthy lifestyle by participating at the Seventh Annual Washington Shores 5K Walk & Health Fair. You, too, can accept the challenge and take part in the Washington Shores 5K Walk on Saturday, March 9 from 8:00am – 12:00pm at Hankins Park located at 1340 Lake Park Court, Orlando.
You may register as an individual or create a walk team. The “challenge” is for teams from churches, schools, civic organizations, and businesses. Trophies and prizes will be given to the teams having the most participants. Registration for the free 5K Walk can be done online by visiting www.orchd.com under the events section.
This event is a collaboration between the Orange County Health Department, City of Orlando and Orlando Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc to encourage residents to live a healthier lifestyle by becoming more physically active and eating more healthy.
“For the past six years the community has come together during the Washington Shore 5K walk with the common goal of living a healthy lifestyle. Walking is an excellent way to increase physical activity and decrease chronic diseases,” said Lesli P. Ahonkhai MA, Interim Administrator for the Orange County Health Department.
Adults and children with healthy lifestyles are less likely to develop heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Together, these conditions accounted for over half (53.4%) the deaths in 2010, according to Florida statistics. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that in 2011 Florida’s obesity prevalence in adults was 26%. In order to help control the risk factors for obesity, stroke and other chronic diseases, it is important to live a healthy lifestyle which includes: not smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, reducing stress, and visiting a doctor to monitor your health.
In addition to the 3.1 mile route there will be a one mile route for senior adults and young children. Attendees can also enjoy health screenings, health information, healthy snacks, cooking demonstrations, and other fun activities such as a hula hoop contest, Zumba, massages, and much more.
For more information about this event, please contact the Orange County Health Department at 407-858-1464 or visit www.orchd.com.
