Walking program kicks off Tuesday in Scott County

SIKESTON — Scott County Health Department’s Walk with Ease program returns Tuesday with six-week sessions offered in both Benton and Sikeston.

Starting Tuesday, Sept. 20, the free, six-week walking program will meet at 8 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Benton Ballpark in Benton, Missouri, and 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays at pavilion No. 8 at the Sikeston Recreation Complex, 501 Campanella, in Sikeston.

“This is a program where participants meet and walk at their own pace with the intention of walking on their own other days of the week,” said Brenda Freed, health educator for Scott County Health Department in Sikeston.

Freed said walking can help individuals gain all the benefits of exercise, from weight loss to enhanced well-being for mature adults. According to Freed, the Arthritis Foundation’s Walk with Ease program can provide the following benefits: reduce the pain and discomfort of arthritis; increase balance, strength and walking pace; build confidence in the ability to be physically active; and improve overall health.

“We will learn how to strengthen our muscles, manage pain and lose weight,” Freed said. “We would love for anyone in the community to join us.”

Contact Freed at the health department at (573) 471-4044 or brenda.freed@lpha.mo.gov.