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Douglas County

K-State Research and Extension Douglas County 
2110 Harper Street
Lawrence KS 66046

Hours: 8 am - 5 pm
Monday - Friday

785-843-7058

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Walk with Ease - A Welcoming Community

Hilary Kass
SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator

Walking regularly can improve health and fitness and lead to less pain for people experiencing all types of arthritis. But sometimes we need awalk with ease participants stretching little help from our friends to make this a reality. And that is what has happened over the last 6 weeks at the Community Building. 

SNAP Ed Nutrition Educators Hilary and Sofia are trained to lead this six-week, three times per week walking program developed by the Arthritis Foundation called Walk With Ease. Designed for all people that want to improve their ability to walk for fitness while giving special attention to those experiencing arthritis, the program consists of a 5-step walking plan: warm up, stretching, walking, cool down and final stretching. 

Walk With Ease is proven to: 

  1. Reduce the pain and discomfort of arthritis
  2. Increase balance, strength, and walking pace.
  3. Build confidence in your ability to be physically active.
  4. Improve overall health.

 "You don’t have to be a regular walker already to start, because Walk With Ease is aimed at all fitness levels." -Walk With Ease Participant

walk with ease participants walkingEach week participants learn stretching exercises and tips for feeling good as their fitness level improves. They practice ways to measure how hard they are working, and discussion of proper fitting shoes and socks helps to keep feet comfortable. The walking portion happens indoors when the weather isn’t comfortable, and outside when it is. 

But the real impact of the program comes with the quickly formed friendships and friendly support. It is joy to see the quick smiles and hellos as we gather. Then enjoying lively conversation and a few good laughs as we walk together. 

"Walk With Ease was a great social outlet for me because we walked together. It gave me a lift for the day- not only physically, but in my mood too."                               -Walk With Ease Participant

So just imagine being home alone knowing that you should exercise, and then coming to this group at the Community Center! Friendly support in a safe environment is the little help from friends that makes all the difference. 

 A new FREE session of Walk With Ease will begin April 1st at the Community Building and will take place Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:30-11:30. Register today at: bit.ly/42M2gQv 

 Or call Sofia Diaz at 785-843-7058 Ext 110.