A new Memorial Mile marked walking path around the Springfield Memorial Hospital campus will officially launch at 2 p.m. on May 14 after a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
“Outdoor walking or exercise has been found to improve mental health and promote healthier behaviors and habits to manage chronic diseases,” said Jay Roszhart, president and CEO of Springfield Memorial Hospital. “Hopefully our colleagues, hospital visitors and area residents will find their way to this new path to log their steps and enjoy being outside.”
As part of the most recent Community Health Needs Assessment, chronic disease and mental health were selected as two of four health priorities to address in the next three years. The walking path is one strategy in the implementation plan to address those priorities.
“The Memorial Mile is a fun, easy way to promote the health benefits of outdoor exercise,” said Nicole Florence, MD, medical director of Memorial Wellness Center. “Every step outdoors counts toward improving mental health, enhancing heart health and enjoying better joint and muscle health.”
A printed handout is available with the Memorial Mile map, and it can also be found online at memorial.health.