New maps highlight Spokane County's many walking routes

Cheney, Medical Lake included in maps designed to get people out and active

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Walks around Cheney and Medical Lake are featured in a new fold-out walking map offered by the Spokane Regional Health District to encourage people to be more active by trying out area routes. The routes were chosen for features such as fitness level, restrooms along the path, safety, and historical points of interest.  

Lack of physical activity is linked to an increased risk for chronic diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and some cancers. In Spokane, 61 percent of adults are either overweight or obese and 22 percent of teens are considered overweight or obese. Thirty-nine percent of Spokane adults report that they do not meet the recommended levels of physical activity.

Taking a brisk walk for 30 minutes five or more days a week meets the recommended level. The 30 minutes can be broken into segments but have to be at least 10 minutes at a time to get the heart-health benefit.  To lose weight, brisk walking for a longer period, up to 60 minutes or more five days a week is needed.

The maps were designed in partnership with the Spokane Regional Health District's Physical Activity and Nutrition Program, the National Park Service- Rivers and Trails Program, and the Inland Northwest Trails Coalition. Eight routes are identified and each one includes notation on mileage, steps, and calories burned. The trails are for beginners and for individuals of all ages and ability levels. Amenities such as benches and rest rooms are indicated on the maps and tips on safety and beginning walking are highlighted. 

Maps of individual routes can be viewed and printed from: http://www.srhd.org/topics/walkingmaps.asp. Printed maps, including all eight routes, are available at all area libraries and the Spokane Regional Health District. On June 6, the maps were distributed at the Fish Lake Trail Clean Up. Additional routes will be mapped soon and available on the Health District's website and the Inland Northwest Trails website, http://www.inlandnorthwesttrails.org.   

The Spokane Regional Health District has been promoting and protecting the health of the citizens of Spokane for 37 years. Through the use of population-based strategies for disease and injury prevention, public health has contributed to the decline in illness and injury, including heart disease and stroke, tobacco-related diseases, infectious diseases and motor vehicle and workplace injuries.