Announcement: Participants Needed for a Community Walk

Associate Pastor Dr. JoAnne Hickman and Nazarene Congregational Church UCC want to invite the community out to walk for wellness.

Twice weekly, a group of about 5-10 teens, adults and elderly people in the Bed-Stuy community meet and walk, to address the problem of obesity in teens, diabetes in adults and to provide exercise for the elderly.

Dr. Hickman is trying to expand the group to include as many members of the community as possible. The group just completed a 12-week health program called F.A.I.T.H., a faith-based approach to addressing the problem of hypertension. They began walking in late April, twice a week for 30 minutes each.

“Walking and exercising regularly is very beneficial for developing a healthy lifestyle,” said Hickman whose group of walkers just completed a 12-week healthy cooking class. “We can plan what hours are convenient for everyone, whether it’s early in the morning or after work.”

Hickman adds that if the group gets large enough they will ask the local police to keep an eye on them.

“We’re trying to bring the community together around something that can only benefit them in the long run, and that is developing healthy habits,” said Hickman. “We’re really only just getting started, but we’re ready to go full steam ahead.”

For more information on how to be a part of Bed-Stuy’s Walking for Wellness group, contact Dr. Hickman at 718-493-5995.