NEW CITY, NY, – During Heart Health Month in February, Rockland County Executive Ed Day and County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert encourage residents to keep their hearts healthy by walking, the most popular and simplest form of exercise you can do.
Walking is low-risk, easy to start, and doesn’t require any special skills or equipment. It can help keep you fit and reduce your risk of serious diseases like heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and more. According to the American Heart Association, a regular walking program can also: improve your cholesterol profile; lower blood pressure; improve your mental and emotional well-being; increase your energy and stamina; boost bone strength; and prevent weight gain. For more information, visit www.heart.org/en/healthy-
“Don’t let the winter weather stop you. You can always walk inside your house, at a mall, or take laps around large department or grocery stores. However, if you choose to walk outside, be aware of potential dangers and how to share the road with cars safely. There are rules of the road that need to be followed, even while walking, to avoid getting injured by a motor vehicle,” said Dr. Ruppert:
- Use the sidewalk for walking if there is one.
- If no sidewalk is available and you must walk on the road – walk facing the oncoming traffic.
- Wear brightly colored clothing so drivers can easily see you.
- Walk with a flashlight if you are walking after dark or have some reflective gear on, like reflective laces for your shoes so you can be seen.
- Do not run across a road, look left, right, then left again before crossing over.
- Be alert; don’t text or stare at your cell phone while walking. Keep your eyes on the road.
- Be aware of cars in driveways that may be backing out.
- Cross at a corner, not mid-block.
- Wait for a “walk” symbol on the main streets with traffic lights.
The Health Department is working with the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee to educate the Rockland County community on important traffic safety measures pedestrians and drivers should take. Rockland County was identified as one of the top 20 counties for pedestrian-related crashes in the 2016 New York State (NYS) Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. Both pedestrians and drivers were found to be in violation of NYS Vehicle and Traffic Laws.
Leaders of local organizations, agencies, businesses, community, and faith-based groups are encouraged to schedule a free, interactive, 45-minute presentation, Arrive Alive: Walk Wise Drive Smart. Participants will be provided with pedestrian and traffic safety information they can post, distribute, and share with clients, customers, family members, and others. To schedule a presentation, call the Health Department at (845) 364-2500. For more information on road safety, visit Rockland County Safe Streets Website.