Maui Steps Into Shape With Walk on Wednesdays

By Wendy Osher

The county of Maui holds its Weekly Walk on Wednesdays program this afternoon. The activity was initiated in February by Maui Mayor Alan Arakawa to enhance overall health, and is led by Maui Managing Director Keith Regan.

Those interested in participating are asked to meet at the County’s Service Center located in the Maui Mall at noon.

Prior to the start of this week’s walk, Jean Sevilla, Health and Wellness Director of the Maui Family YMCA, will start the participants off with some stretches and will briefly discuss the importance of wearing appropriate footwear when walking.

Although the walk is a weekly event, the County’s Nutrition & Physical Activity Coalition (NPAC) will join in on the walk every first Wednesday of each month, beginning on August 3, 2011.

The mission of NPAC is to improve the quality of life of Maui County residents by reducing obesity and chronic disease by promoting healthy eating and physical activity through environmental and policy changes, education and awareness.

This special August 3 event was made possible in part by funding from the Department of Health and Human Services and sponsored by Communities Putting Prevention to Work-Hawaii. Support is also provided by Huli Au Ola, the Area Health Education Center on Moloka`i.