Rx For Health: Walking in Nature Season Dates In Lake County

LAKE COUNTY, IL — The Lake County Health Department is teaming up with the Lake County Forest Preserves and NorthShore University HealthSystem to bring "Rx for Health: Walking in Nature" to community members beginning April 27. The health department said in a release that the 2019 Rx for Health season includes several free walking tours throughout Lake County's forest preserves led by NorthShore representatives, Health Department staff, and forest preserve naturalists. The health department said the simple act of walking, especially if done in nature, can improve your physical and mental health.

The 2019 Rx for Health season walks range in length from one to two miles, and are held on the following Saturdays from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. at these locations:

• April 27, Middlefork Savanna Forest Preserve, 1401 Middlefork Dr., Lake Forest
• May 18, Lakewood Forest Preserve, 27277 Forest Preserve Rd., Wauconda
• June 15, Greenbelt Forest Preserve, 1110 Green Bay Rd., North Chicago
• July 20, Ryerson Woods Forest Preserve, 21950 N. Riverwoods Rd., Riverwoods
• August 17, Lyons Woods Forest Preserve, 10200 W. Blanchard Rd., Waukegan
• September 14, Fort Sheridan Forest Preserve, 117 Sheridan Rd., Lake Forest
• October 19, Pine Dunes Forest Preserve, 42909 Hunt Club Rd., Antioch
• November 2, Independence Grove Forest Preserve, 16400 W. Buckley Rd., Libertyville

According to the health department, the walks take place rain or shine and are open to participants of all ages. The health department said participants ages 16 and younger must be accompanied by an adult.

Everyone can walk at their own pace and distance, the health department said, however no pets are allowed except for service animals.

Launched in 2014, the Rx for Health program was launched in 2014 and aligns with the Lake County Community Health Improvement Plan to increase physical activity in adults and youth, according to the health department.

"Recent survey data identified that an estimated 57% of Lake County adults are either overweight or obese, which can lead to cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, poor mental health, and reduced quality of life," the health department said in a release.

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