Why Orange Walks? The number of people living in Orange County with cardiovascular
disease or diabetes is on the rise. As the rate of obesity climbs in all ages, we see that the number of people with
health problems increases as well.

People can reduce their chances of developing diabetes or cardiovascular disease by adding a daily walk.
The 2005 US Dietary Guidelines now advise people to exercise at least 30 minutes everyday to maintain weight and 60 minutes every day to prevent weight gain.

In order to fight this growing epidemic, many Orange County organizations and health institutions have joined together to promote walking. ORANGE WALKS! began on April 9th in three Orange County locations. Two mile walks were lead by Walking Captains and County Officials. Edward Diana, our County Executive, commented that he "would like to see people of all ages walking. Orange County has a large number of beautiful walks that offer a healthy form of entertainment." Dr. Jean Hudson, Orange County Commissioner of Health, added "the health benefits of regular walking are enormous."

We know that walking helps:

• With weight loss
• Decrease your risk of diabetes
• Improve heart health
• Make you feel better
• You handle stress
• You to control blood pressure and diabetes

Walking: The Original Outdoor Activity It's easy and fun. It is a great way to engage in physical activity, requiring no special equipment. Walking is one of the easiest ways to be physically active and meet the minimum physical activity recommendations.

People of all ages can walk. It is healthy family activity for all ages! If you are a beginner you can take a few steps toward improving your health. It can be the start of a healthy new life.

So, lace up your sneakers and join other Orange County residents in ORANGE WALKS! We have three routes mapped out, two in Newburgh, NY and one in Goshen, NY.

For more information, call the Orange County Diabetes Hotline at 888-877-9655.