News

Burlington County Health Department and Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County team up to sponsor the Grand Walkers Club at the Grand Marketplace

Friday, October 16, 2009

The Burlington County Health Department and Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County announced today a joint sponsorship of the Grand Walkers Club that is available to all county residents. The kick-off of the Grand Walkers Club, located inside the Grand Marketplace in Willingboro, will be on Thursday, October 22 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Members will be able to walk four days a week from Thursday to Sunday from 9 to 11 a.m. Registration is free.

"Walking is an excellent way to exercise. There's no special equipment, just a good pair of walking shoes. It is also an appropriate exercise for just about everybody," explains Eugene Johnson, CEO of Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County. "In addition," he adds, "walking in an indoor mall is a great way to work out in a safe, cool environment during the summer. In the winter, it is a good way to keep an exercise program on track while avoiding inclement weather."

The Grand Walkers Club is an opportunity for Lourdes Medical Center of Burlington County, the county health department and the Grand Marketplace (GMP), located on Route 130 and Levitt Parkway, to support community health. A number of people already use the Grand Marketplace for their exercise, but the Club is a way to organize those people who would like to learn more about wellness from trusted health care sources.

"We are very excited about this partnership with Lourdes and the Grand Marketplace aimed at helping promote better health and wellness for every resident of our county," said Public Health Coordinator Robert Gogats. "Like all goals in life, members of the Grand Walkers Club will achieve a healthy lifestyle one step at a time."

The GMP "course" is .35 miles around the length of the outer hallway. Individuals can enter from the Food Court entrance. Walkers are encouraged to walk several times around the course and to build upon their distance over time.

Upon registration, Club members receive a free pedometer and log book. When they complete their log books, they return them to the Lourdes Wellness Center in exchange for a free incentive gift. In addition, Club members are invited to special events and monthly breakfasts hosted by the Wellness Center staff and the GMP, where they will receive important health information and tips.

To register for the Club, call 1-888-LOURDES (568-7337).

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