NS Walk day walks

May 8 Walk Day celebrates benefits of group walking

Walk group participants report they feel more connected to their community
Walking makes you happy, say regular walkers. And the experts agree. On May 8 Hike Nova Scotia and partners across the province will celebrate walking and how it connects us to our communities and to each other. There are over 106 group walks taking place in communities, workplaces and schools across the province from sunup to sundown.
“Walking is a safe and enjoyable way for adults to get more physically active. People who walk in a group have the added benefit of social connections in addition to healthier bodies and minds,“ says Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Medical Officer of Health in Nova Scotia.
“Research shows walking, especially outdoors and with others, helps people stay healthier longer,” says Dr. Beverley Cassidy, Psychiatrist. “Even 20-30 minutes per day can improve mood and reduce stress levels.”
Nova Scotia Walk Day is organized by Hike Nova Scotia’s NS Walks program, which aims to help less active adults enjoy the benefits of leader-led group walks.
Catherine Droesbeck, Program Manager with Hike Nova Scotia, says its participant surveys have shown group walks help beyond the obvious physical health gains. “Among the many benefits of walking with a group, participants report they feel more connected to their community. That’s a really good thing in a world where social isolation is a serious and common issue.”
The following information includes meeting areas and times for NS Walk day walks in your area!

Baddeck: Multi-use Trail (meet at the parking lot 26 Jessica Wong Ln – 12:00 PM
L’Ardoise – Location TBD – 10:00 AM
New Waterford – Plummer Ave. 14 yard walking track – 10:00 AM
Sydney – 320 Esplanade St – 5:30 PM
Sydney – McConnell Library, 50 Falmouth Street, Sydney – 1:00 PM
Wagmatcook – 126 Rear Humes Rd – 4:00 PM

More information at https://www.hikenovascotia.ca/ns-walks-walk-day/