Nordic walking at Fukushima - one person's experience 

Here is a video of how the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) uses Nordic walking in community rebuilding:

Nordic walking at Fukushima - some outcomes

I posted earlier about Nordic walking as one of the activities used to help rebuild a community's emotional health. Here is a statement from one of the Red Cross workers about the outcomes of the activity as people engaged in it:

“When some of the participants first joined us, they showed obvious signs of depression,” explained Mr. Mitachi.  “After attending a few sessions, they started looking happy and were full of energy. It not only makes people feel better mentally it also greatly improves their general health. The vigorous exercise works the pain out of their joints. Using the poles softens up their stiff backs and shoulders.”

See more at: http://www.ifrc.org/en/news-and-media/news-stories/asia-pacific/japan/nordic-walking-helps-survivors-of-the-great-east-japan-earthquake-and-tsunami-cope-with-trauma-and-depression-71996/#sthash.ISBTvBnG.dpuf

Nordic walking was also highlighted in a 5-year progress report for its positive contributions to psychosocial wellbeing.

Let's meet on April 23  to Nordic walk!

Hey there! Now that tax day is behind us, let's recover by taking a walk together! Come out for some Nordic walking, a fun and effective way to exercise. It’s also a great social activity because you can walk with other people and enjoy their company.

Dress for the weather and sun and bring some water. I'll bring the Nordic walking poles so you can burn calories, tone muscle, and improve overall health.

This will be a free session. For more information about Nordic walking, check out the Nordic Walking Guy blog and the Facebook page.

Are you a beginner and never Nordic walked? Don't worry. I'll take time to teach the technique so you can get started.

Instructor: Leroy Hurt, Associate Dean at The University of Alabama and a certified Nordic walking instructor

When: Saturday, April 23, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.

Location: Let's meet at the trailhead of Sokol Park (5901 Watermelon Rd, Northport, AL 35406). Directions:

·         North on Watermelon Road.

o    Right on Old Colony Road.

o    Left at the entrance to Sokol Park.

o    Park at the trailhead, an open shelter.

·         South on Watermelon Road

o    Left on Old Colony Road.

o    Left at the entrance to Sokol Park.

o    Park at the trailhead, an open shelter.

Here's a map of where we'll meet.