Published March 14, 2022
Take heart in your MetroParks this Women’s History Month
Heads up! This article was published 2 years ago.
February was American Heart Month, and MetroParks encourages everyone to keep the theme going during March, Women’s History Month. According to the American Heart Association, the best way to battle heart disease is by maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle and healthy diet. This is true for both women and men, which is crucial, as heart disease was once thought to be more prominent in men. Sadly, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in America, according to the CDC.
Women need to be particularly careful with their tickers, as they’re at a higher risk of dying from a heart failure than men.
The good news? Prevention is key, and MetroParks offers myriad ways for you to support your heart health year-round and for little-to-no cost.
Hit the trails: MetroParks is home to more than 75 miles of natural-surface trails for walking, hiking, mountain biking and trail running. Additionally, the Dayton region is home to more than 350 miles of paved trails, the nation’s largest paved trail network. Paved trails are incredibly versatile, as you can cycle, run, jog, walk and rollerblade on the paved trails, which also are wheelchair and stroller accessible.
Visit metroparks.org, outdoordayton.com and miamivalleytrails.org to learn more about the region’s paved and natural-surface trails.
MetroParks Heart Healthy Trails: These trails are shorter in length and easy-to-moderate to traverse. Additionally, these entry-level trails are marked every quarter mile so you can maintain the American Heart Association’s recommended pace of 24 minutes per mile.
Seven Heart Healthy Trails are located at Eastwood, Englewood, Carriage Hill, Wegerzyn, Island and Germantown MetroParks, and the Wolf Creek Trail. Learn more.
MetroParks Trails Challenge: The MetroParks Trails Challenge is underway with 28 paved, natural surface, equestrian, water and mountain biking trails to tackle in 2022.
Because the MetroParks Trails Challenge is done at your own time and your own pace, it’s the perfect way for beginners to start with shorter, easier trails and work their way up to more challenging hikes and rides. The more trails you check off before Oct. 31 in your trails log, the more chances you have to win cool prizes. Register for free.
New for 2022: MetroParks helps you go paperless with its mobile app, powered by OuterSpatial. Keep track of the trails you complete, save your progress and submit your completed log. Download the free app for Apple and Android devices.
Say goodbye to stress: Nearly everyone has felt the stress of the last two years, between the ongoing pandemic, work, school and home responsibilities. According to the American Heart Association, studies of those with long-term stress indicate it has an impact on heart health and can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
Spending time in nature is beneficial for both physical and mental health. In fact, research shows just 20 minutes a day immersed in nature significantly lowers stress hormone levels, in addition to lowering depression and anxiety.
For many, being still and being present in nature can be a challenge, so MetroParks — with help from Dayton Children’s and Montgomery County Alcohol, Drug Addiction & Mental Health Services — has created a series of Mindfulness Walks at Eastwood, Huffman, Possum Creek and Sunrise MetroParks.
These short, easy walks feature signs with prompts that encourage you to stop and engage in brief meditation and breathing activities.
Mindfulness guides also can be downloaded in English and Spanish.
Wholesome eats: The American Heart Association emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet, which includes a variety of fruits and veggies, whole grains, low-fat dairy, skinless poultry and fish, nuts and legumes, and non-tropical vegetable oils. Visit the 2nd Street Market to find fresh, wholesome food that is both nutritious and locally produced. Buying fresh and local is not only good for your health — it’s good for the environment too, as locally grown produce is often less taxing on the environment.
The 2nd Street Market is open Fridays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn more.
MetroParks Tip: Check out MetroParks’ gardening programs and learn skills you can use in your own garden. Gardening gets you active, outdoors and enjoying your own produce throughout the growing season. Visit metroparks.org/programs-events-finder for more information and to register for programs.
Of course, it’s critical to consult your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen or diet.
Learn more about how to maintain your physical and mental health by visiting MetroParks’ Nature is Open blog.
