Calais Regional Hospital is excited to announce the formation of the Walking for Wellness program.  This program is an organized effort to provide incentives, education and group support for community members in their effort to be physically active.  Initially proposed as an employee event to be kicked off during Hospital Week, the program was expanded to include anyone who would like to take part.

To participate, community members simply track their miles and submit the information to the hospital weekly.   The club also provides conversions to miles from steps or any other aerobic activity so anyone can join.   You don’t have to be a walker –joggers, runners, bikers, swimmers, kayakers, etc. are all welcome and encouraged to join the Wellness Program.

Incentive prizes will be awarded at various “mile”stones.  Plus – MEMBERSHIP IS FREE – so there is no reason not to join.    The Walking for Wellness program will run for 6 months, beginning May 16 and ending November 13, 2009, but participants can join at any time. 

Over the twenty six weeks, program participants will be walking across Maine.  Various destinations have been measured and plotted out across the State.  A map of the routes will be provided.   Join the club and see how far you can get across our great state of Maine.

  The idea of the Walking for Wellness program is for each participant to personalize the activity choice to what works for them.  For those who enjoy being outdoors, there are many places to walk and exercise in our surrounding communities.   Downeast Maine is a great place to get out, unwind and enjoy nature while exercising for the betterment of your health.    However, if outdoors activities are not for you, then walk on a treadmill, do aerobics or try out the latest exercise craze.  The object is to find what activity or activities you enjoy and get active.  Plus don’t forget -- you can log the miles anywhere you walk - even on vacation.

The health benefits of exercise such as walking are irrefutable; and can lower one’s risk for coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, depression, colon cancer, stroke and back injury.  Calais Regional Hospital is encouraging all community members to get active for your health!

To enroll in Walking for Wellness stop by the hospital’s information desk at the main entrance for a registration form, contact the community relations office at 454-9262 or 454-9227 or, send an email to community@calaishospital.org.