ONTARIO, Ohio — The Richland Walks program steps off Tuesday, Jan. 12 at the Richland Mall.
“We’ve always had the Mall Walker program,” said Jodi Scott, general manager of Richland Mall. But as a way to help put a fun twist on the program this year, the mall is teaming up with Avita Health System and Richland Public Health to offer monthly health and wellness educational programs, friendly competitions, prizes and more as part of Richland Walks.
People are welcome to participate in this program at their leisure. The mall opens daily at 7 a.m. for mall-walking. Scott said one lap around the mall is just under three quarters of a mile.
“Mall-walking is an opportunity for individuals who may feel unsafe walking outside or have concerns about the weather or about the cost of joining a gym to get physical activity in a free, indoor and safe location,” said Melissa Culler of Richland Public Health.
In addition to getting some physical exercise, participants will have the chance to hear from experts who will discuss topics such as heart health and diabetes prevention during special events.
“Each month we’ll have some sort of event that’s both educational and fun,” Scott said.
Also, Ashland University College of Nursing students will be on-hand from 7 to 10 a.m. each Wednesday beginning Tuesday, Jan. 13 to provide health and wellness checks.
Tuesday’s kickoff event, which will be held from noon to 2 p.m., will function like a “mini health fair,” Scott said, with appearances by personnel representing Avita Health System, Richland Public Health, the YMCA, Springfield Township Fire Department and OSU Extension.
People can register for the program at the kickoff event or by visiting www.richlandmallshopping.com/about. The first 50 registrants will receive a goody bag, Scott said.
