Waterloo Region Walks Celebrates 95-year young walker!

Region of Waterloo Public Health launched Waterloo Region Walks on January 25, 2012. This new initiative brings together key community stakeholders to raise the profile of walking in Waterloo Region.

Community walk leaders, walking enthusiasts and advocates gathered to hear speakers talk about the importance of walking in our lives and the role walking plays in building community connections.

Why focus on walking? Walking improves coordination and balance which reduces the risk of falls. For all types of unintentional injuries in Ontario, falls are the leading cause of deaths, hospitalizations, and disabilities. All ages are at risk of experiencing fall-related injuries; however the risk of serious fall injury is nine times greater for those over 65 years of age.

Speakers at the launch event included 95-year young Irv Manske, who gave a heart-warming address on the importance of walking and the role it has in his life – a means to get to work, a form of recreation with family and a fun way to maintain his health.

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Media contact: Amanda Kroger, Manager, Healthy Living, Planning and Promotion, 519-883-2255.

Click here to read the Waterloo Region Walks backgrounder.

Regional Chair Ken Seiling presents 95-year young Irv Manske with a certificate of achievement for his walking efforts.