'Warwick Walks' maps a stroll to good health

WARWICK, – Your path to health starts here.
Health research has shown that walkable communities positively affect the obesity level of populations and so St. Anthony Community Hospital, in partnership with the Village of Warwick and the Orange County Department of Health, identified a walking route and the Warwick Walks program was created.
On Wednesday morning, May 30, local officials including Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton and Mayor Michael Newhard, members of the Orange County Health Department and Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce joined Dr. Mary Leahy, CEO of Bon Secours Charity Health System and COO Patrick Schmincke, along with other system administrators and hospital staff to celebrate the kick-off of Warwick Walks with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Warwick Walks is a 1 ½ mile loop that winds its way through the charming Village of Warwick, encouraging both residents and visitors to take a healthy stroll.
“We have a beautiful and walkable village,” said Mayor Newhard, who served as emcee for the occasion.
Dr. Leahy explained that as part of the hospital’s community health improvement plan, reducing obesity and obesity-related chronic conditions are included in its list of priorities.
“Healthcare,” she said, “goes beyond the walls of the hospital.”
Orange County senior Public Health Educator Danielle Moser stated that the goal of Warwick Walks was simply to get people to walk more often.
A Warwick Walks rack card, that explains the program and has a map of the route, is available at St. Anthony Community Hospital, the Warwick Village Hall, and other retail establishments in and around the village. The Health Department is also having signage created to help the community become familiar with the Warwick Walks route.