Take Heart. Take a Walk.

Karen Coney Coplin

Some say laughter is the best medicine and, if that’s the case, then walking may well be the second-best prescription for good health!

It’s a simple way to exercise, plus, it’s free and no special equipment is needed. Walking is a low impact way to be more physically active, strengthen your joints, and become more limber.

So, if you want to walk more, then make it a habit. It will improve your cardiovascular system, reduce risks of serious health issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes-all by helping to maintain a healthy weight.

Walking also wards off other problems, like osteoporosis over the long term, by helping increase bone density. And it’s a great way to clear your mind, which is a safeguard for your mental health.

Having a bad day? Go for a walk. If you still need to lift your spirits, take another walk! Bonus points if your amidst the sounds of nature.

Walking also delivers an energy boost. And those who walk on a regular basis often find that they can fall asleep faster and enjoy more deeply restful sleep too.

So with all of these great benefits, how do we get walking on our daily calendar or more often in general?

Walking with friends at a regular meetup is one way; enjoying a stroll after a meal together is another. It’s a great way to provide real connection and an easy way to socialize while being active.

There are also walking groups which can provide inspiration and motivation.

The “Circle of Friends” charitable fund within the Collier Community Foundation is now organizing regular walks to benefit a variety of non-profit organizations.

Circle of Friends – Walking for Good invites you to participate in Saturday walks at the Gordon River Greenway. The group gathers and welcomes newcomers at 8:30 a.m. Saturday mornings at 1590 Goodlette Frank Road. At the present time, the walks are scheduled every other Saturday.

A suggested donation of $5 for every walker will go toward a particular Saturday event’s non-profit.

Coming up this month:

• March 1 is the Circle of Friends Walk to support Habitat for Humanity
• March 15 is the walk to support the Everglades Foundation
• March 29 is the walk to support the Giffords Foundation

Each walk begins with a short talk highlighting information about the selected charity. Then it’s time to lace up your shoes and hit the path!

The Circle of Friends has a mission to foster kindness and meaningful connections. It was conceived as a way to strengthen our Naples community in a fashion which is accessible to all in contrast to the big-ticket fundraisers which dot the local charitable landscape.

If you’re interested in joining “the circle” and making friends while making a difference, visit circlefriends.gives or send an email to info@circlefriends.gives

“We are all just walking each other home.”- the late Ram Dass Please contact Karen at NaplesKCC@gmail.com with suggestions for future article coverage, which is often centered on charitable organizations in Naples and the programs/services these groups offer.

Additionally, for more vignettes about life in Naples, give her a follow-on Instagram @Naplesbythenumbers