Let’s face it. The temptation to hunker down and stay put is almost insurmountable. Yes, indeed, just as soon as the weather cooperates, you’re going to start (or get back into) taking regular walks to improve your health and boost your spirits.

All you need to put your plan into action is for the snowy winter storms to go away, right? Then all will be well, at least for a couple months, until the rainy spring or summer’s wilting heat and humidity arrive.

Maybe bad weather isn’t the problem. You could be having difficulty finding time to walk outside because your job schedule has changed or home life demands have increased. Perhaps there are no sidewalks, trails or safe pedestrian areas near your home or work.

Walk anywhere, feel better

Although “location, location, location” is the watchword of success in real estate, it doesn’t matter for healthy walking. When you walk at a comfortably quick pace inside an office building, school, fitness center, shopping center or your own home, you get the same benefits as when you walk outdoors.

Don’t have access to a treadmill? Check the library, video store or online for walking DVDs and tapes. When you pop these in, you get pace-setting music, advice on technique and timed walk routines with a variety of movements.

Marching the mall

If you can resist the smell of warm cinnamon buns wafting through the air, you might enjoy mall walking. Many enclosed shopping centers open early just for walkers and some stay open a bit later for the same reason.

Walking in Indy

Indianapolis is consistently ranked as one of the most walkable cities in the U.S.:

• Looking for a walking partner? Check out some of the walking meet-up groups in Indy.
• Want a little more adventure? The Indianapolis Hiking Club has some interesting upcoming jaunts.
• ActiveIndyTours  help you explore urban Indy at a human pace. Walking, running and biking tours are conducted at this casual pace with frequent stops where our storytellers share the history and lore of our city.
• Put on your walking shoes and listen as leading Indianapolis architects tell you the stories and history behind our most prominent buildings and spaces. Walk Indianapolis audio tours were designed for use on smart phones or other mobile audio devices.
• Indiana Landmarks also offers walking tours.
• Eagle Creek Park and Fort Harrison State Park offer fabulous winter hiking trails. Check out other greenways in Indy.
• The YMCA of Greater Indianapolis and Chase Legacy Center offer affordable indoor activity options.

As winter begins, develop a strategy to stay active in spite of the weather. Make plans to see Indy on foot. Resist the urge to be a couch potato and get out there!

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What’s your favorite walking spot in Indy? Share your tips below!

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Blanket Indy With Care –
Supporting our Homeless Initiative Program…

February featured a campaign to raise awareness and support for our Homeless Initiative Program!  The campaign included efforts on the social media front as well as a direct mail piece that may have been sent to your home.  Take a look at our news archive to read what it was all about. A huge thanks to everyone who took a few minutes to support the campaign. You are helping thousands of homeless people in Indy get much-needed care and reach their goals!

Whatever you call ‘em, check ‘em –
A fun spin on a serious subject…

Bebops, Bazooms, Pillows, the Girls… Our Whatever You Call ‘Em, Check ‘em campaign has been ongoing since mid-April to raise awareness about breast health and the importance of regular check-ups and screening mammograms, particularly for women living in poverty.  A fun question posed on Facebook asked “What do YOU call ‘em?”.

Thanks to everyone who encouraged a woman in your life to take care of her “girls,” and to help others do the same. So many social, economic and cultural barriers prevent low-income women from getting a screening mammogram. You ARE making a difference in Indy!

We had many WONDERFUL patient and staff stories about breast cancer
- you can find them here.

Spring Into Action!
Getting residents active on the southeast side…

On Saturday, April 30, HealthNet teamed up with students from the University of Indianapolis to pilot a walking program called Spring Into Action.  Nearly 100 Indianapolis residents participated in the kick-off, a 1-mile fun walk throughout Fountain Square. Participants stopped at certain spots along the route to get their blood pressure checked and body fat estimated.
A great turnout for what will be a great program!  Click here to read more about it.

Social Media Presence
Giving you inside information daily…

Pictures of health center construction on Facebook… What’s up with our Outreach programs with @GiveACareIndy… FQHC Advocacy with @Indy_HealthNet… More detailed info with our e-newsletters!  There are a number of ways to keep up-to-date with what is going on with us!  Sign up for all or sign up for one – you don’t have to just sit and watch. Our social media outlets are here to get YOUR perspective and gain feedback from YOU.  Comment, retweet, and enter a discussion on how we can all give greater care to those who need it most in Indianapolis.