Lakeside Community Healthcare is making a healthy lifestyle more accessible for all by offering a free, year-round walking program at the Plaza West Covina mall in West Covina, California. Beginning at 8:30 a.m. every Friday, “Pace the Plaza” participants can sign up to “walk the mall” according to their own pace and schedule while keeping a personal log of their progress.
WEST COVINA, Calif., Nov. 19, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Lakeside Community Healthcare is making a healthy lifestyle more accessible for all by offering a free, year-round walking program at the Plaza West Covina mall in West Covina, California. Beginning at 8:30 a.m. every Friday, “Pace the Plaza” participants can sign up to “walk the mall” according to their own pace and schedule while keeping a personal log of their progress.
The Pace the Plaza program currently boasts nearly 200 participants and is open to both Lakeside members and non-members of all ages and fitness levels, free of charge. After completing a one-time registration form and signing a liability waiver, participating walkers can log their distance based on the honor system and receive rewards for achieving milestones. The walking program also offers discounts at local merchants, wellness activities that include health education classes and complimentary flu shots, and recognition ceremonies throughout the year to celebrate individual achievements.
“We are thrilled to offer a no-cost program that allows people of all ages to get fit in a safe and fun environment,” says Mindy Morgen, Senior Director of Marketing and Health Education at Lakeside Community Healthcare. “Walking has been linked to countless cognitive and physical health benefits, but people may be hesitant to walk outside or alone. Joining a mall walking program provides a clean, secure, and well-lit space to exercise while meeting new friends and neighbors.”
Plaza West Covina Marketing Director, Lisa Avakian, reiterates the significance of hosting the walking program at the shopping center: “Plaza West Covina is thankful to be able to provide access to important healthcare resources through our partnership with Lakeside Community Healthcare. This commitment to improving our community’s health and wellness has been a crucial part of our mission.”
Some of the health benefits associated with brisk walking include a reduced risk of diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Like other physical activities, walking may also enhance mood, improve sleep, increase energy, and help preserve cognitive functioning. Walking requires no special equipment and can be done by people of all ages and fitness levels, including those with arthritis or other physical limitations, since it does not put excessive stress on joints.
Community members interested in joining Pace the Plaza can stop by the Lakeside Community Healthcare registration table at 8:30 a.m. every Friday. To learn more about Pace the Plaza, visit lakesidemed.com/pacetheplaza. To learn about other free classes and events in your area, please visit healthywayevents.com.
About Lakeside Community Healthcare
Lakeside Community Healthcare is an affiliate of Heritage Provider Network (HPN), which serves as a trusted healthcare network for more than 550,000 Southern California members. As the largest doctor-owned medical group in Southern California, HPN and its affiliates are dedicated to quality, affordable healthcare. For more information, please visit www.lakesidemed.com.
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SOURCE Lakeside Community Healthcare
