Bookshelf: Library partners with local walking group

Published 1:00 am Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Time to break out the walking shoes! As spring approaches, the Deschutes Public Library is partnering with the Oregon Health and Science University School of Nursing to bring you a new walking group program.

For the next two years, the library will host this program in the Redmond community as part of a research study to determine if group-led exercise can improve the health of rural Oregonians. The program will be led by me and will take place on one of the trailheads of the Dry Canyon Trail.

Group-based walking programs have been shown to increase physical activity and fitness, as well as improve health outcomes. By participating in this group, you’ll have the opportunity to improve your overall health and contribute to a research base that can help your fellow Oregonians.

The walking group will meet once a week for 60 minutes, starting with 20-minute walks and gradually extending to 45 minutes. The study will begin in spring 2023 and end in spring 2025.

If you exercise less than three times a week, are 18 years or older and live in Redmond, you are invited to learn more about the details of the study. Enrolled participants will receive a FitBit to keep, a t-shirt and monetary compensation upon completion of each of the four health assessments.

Space is limited. If you are interested in joining the study, reserve your spot by contacting the DPL team through email at ryaf@deschuteslibrary.org and phone or text 541-617-7092 by April 1. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to improve your health while enjoying the great outdoors.