Walking to Wellness 2019 Press Release
IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Phi Haberstro, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., -851-4052
COMMUNITY GOAL: 125 MILLION STEPS IN 2019!
BUFFALO, NY (January 2019) – The Wellness Institute of Greater Buffalo and its community partners announced the 2019 Walking to Wellness Initiative goal of 125 MILLION steps walked/rolled by local participants this year. The Initiative supports National and local programs including the US Surgeon General’s Call to Action promoting walking and walkable communities, www.AmericaWalks.org , The NYS Prevention Agenda, Erie County’s Million Hearts Initiative, The Healthiest Districts Initiative, Age Friendly Buffalo and the Population Health Collaborative’s Healthy Communities Coalition focus on regular physical activity.
Participants in 2018’s successful initiative included: City of Buffalo employees-“Walking on Tuesday”, Downtown Buffalo Spring and Fall Walking on Wednesday series (at the Buffalo Niagara Visitor Center), Explore Buffalo (over 14,000 participants and 43 Million Steps), Imagine Greater Buffalo Second Saturday Downtown walks and First Sunday Reflective Walks at Hoyt Lake, .and students from UB Walks and the Healthiest Districts Initiative.
Wellness Institute CEO, Phil Haberstro noted, “The Wellness Institute works strategically to increase physical activity by improving community walkability, policy and access to trails and parks.” The Institute’s Walking to Wellness initiative is recognized as a ‘community best practice’ by NYS’s Department of Health. Wellness Institute staff member Sarah K. Martin is an America Walks fellow strengthening the Institute’s capability to improve walkability.”
The Walking to Wellness 2019 goal of 125 million steps also offers a free walkability assessment toolkit and speakers. Upcoming walks with community partners occur throughout the year. Walkers may enjoy free guided, fun and moderate pace walks at these locations in 2019:
- Reflective Walks at Delaware Park: Held March through November on the first Sunday of the month, 10:45 am to 11:30 am. Walks are 1-to-2 miles and begin and end at Hoyt Lake, Marcy Casino area.. Co-sponsored by the Center for the Study of Art & Architecture, History & Nature.
- National Walk at Lunch Day: Spring Date to be Confirmed Downton Buffalo
- Downtown Noon time Wellness Walks: First four Wednesdays of May, May 1 – 22. ( Visit Buffalo Niagara Visitors Center) and in October in the Fall.
Persons interested in walking can join any of the Wellness Institute’s walks to have their steps counted toward the 2019 Walking to Wellness goal total. For event listings please visit CreatingHealthyCommunities.org . Community organizations and area employers who wish to be a part of this communitywide Walking to Wellness health improvement initiative may contact Phil Haberstro at 716-851-4052 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ###
In 2019 The Wellness Institute of Greater Buffalo & WNY celebrates its 30th Anniversary of advocacy, facilitation and providing resources for creating healthy Western NY communities.
