Neighborhood Notes

by Minot Cleveland, MD 

Hippocrates said, "Walking is man's best friend." If the ancient Greek physician were alive today, I'm sure he would amend his aphorism to include women. Not to mention, older adults, slender and overweight people and those with or without medical problems. Our modern medical science confirms what the ancient Greeks proclaimed: regular physical activity is essential for a healthy body, mind and spirit.

Walking is medicine that works! It's easy, fun, and one of the best ways to reap the enormous benefits of regular physical activity. Walking can reduce risk of obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, osteoporosis and heart disease. Heart disease and stroke are the #1 and #3 killers of American men and women. Getting active even helps many quit smoking.

Walking can also help your mind and spirit. It reduces stress, increases a sense of well-being, has a positive impact on depression and anxiety, heightens creativity and improves brain function.

But the benefits of walking extend beyond the individual to the community. When more people are out walking on the streets and in the parks, neighborhood safety improves and crimes against local businesses decrease. Walking promotes economic stability. Some of the most successful business corridors are safe and inviting to pedestrians. Walking builds a sense of community. The more time we spend outside in our neighborhoods, the more we get to know our neighbors.

We are fortunate that Portland has such a strong reputation as a bike and pedestrian friendly city. To promote walking in the Pearl District and NW Portland, Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital is launching a series of walking routes in July. These mapped routes will start at the hospital and wind through the NW. We strongly encourage community members to take advantage of these enjoyable walking routes.

Whether you are interested in gathering the health "pearls" of walking or want to explore the neighborhood, I urge you to get on those good walking shoes and get moving!