MAHONING VALLEY Walk of Life teaches a healthy way to live

Some 350 walkers preregistered for the event through area churches and civic organizations.
By MARALINE KUBIK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
YOUNGSTOWN -- T.C. Burke survived one heart attack and wants to avoid another.
So, when his line-dance instructor asked if he wanted to participate in A Walk of Life, the annual Mahoning Valley African-American Women's Wellness Walk, he didn't hesitate.
The exercise he got walking around Wick Park on Saturday morning was good for his heart, and the free health screenings, healthful snacks and cooking demonstrations were a plus, too, he said. "I'll definitely do it again next year."
Al Mickel, who is also in Burke's line-dance class, said he'll be back next year, too.
"I love it. It's for a good cause, and exercise will never hurt you. I've already done three miles," Mickel said, as he and Burke made their way through the park with their instructor, Classie Brown.
To raise awareness
This is the third year Brown has participated in the event designed to raise awareness in the black community about the benefits of regular exercise, good nutrition and stress reduction.
"I signed about 25 people up," she said. Some are students in her line-dance class, others are friends and acquaintances.
Getting the word out and helping people to make healthy changes in their lives is a very worthwhile cause, she said.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death among black women. Encouraging them to make healthy changes in their lives not only reduces their risks of heart disease and stroke, but also helps their families live healthier lives, said Elaine Wilson of Humility of Mary Health Partners, one of the event sponsors.
Women bring their husbands, children, sisters, mothers and friends to participate in the walk; snack on fresh fruit, bagels and popcorn; and receive free health screenings; so the event "encourages the entire family, everyone is involved," Wilson said. "We hope this will help close the gap in the disparity between the health of minorities and non-minorities."
"The disparity is improving but we still have a large gap," said Roy Thomas, a volunteer for the American Heart Association and co-chair for the wellness walk.
"We have three main objectives: to help participants learn about the importance of exercise, healthy diet and stress relief," Thomas continued. "The focus is on preventive health care and healthy lifestyles."
Some 350 walkers preregistered for the event through area churches and civic organizations such and the Urban League, NAACP, National Council of Negro Women and Black Nurses Association.
Among the free health screenings offered were tests for high blood pressure, cholesterol, body fat and bone density.
Sponsors were Humility of Mary Health Partners, Danridge's Burgundi Manor, Trumbull Memorial Hospital Foundation, Dr. Cesar J. Augustin DDS, Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority and F.D. Mason Funeral Home.
kubik@vindy.com