PORTSMOUTH, Ohio — Scioto County residents are invited to lace up their walking shoes next month for a free community walk and food drive benefiting a local food bank ahead of the holiday season.
The event is scheduled for Nov. 7 at Mound Park, 1810 Grant St., running from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the walk itself starting at noon, according to a post from the Scioto County Emergency Management Agency. The walk is free and open to the public, and participants are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate. Festive attire is welcome, though organizers are asking walkers to dress for the weather.
The walk is being put on by a coalition of local health and faith-based organizations, including King’s Daughters Medical Center Ohio, Southern Ohio Medical Center, the Scioto County Health Department, the Portsmouth City Health Department and The Potter’s House Ministries, according to event materials shared by the EMA.
In promoting the event, the EMA pointed to the health benefits of regular walking, saying even a short, brisk walk can strengthen the heart muscle, improve blood circulation and help lower blood pressure over time. The agency added that walking boosts oxygen circulation throughout the body, can help fight afternoon fatigue, and strengthens the muscles that support the joints without putting excess strain on the knees and hips.
The Scioto County Emergency Management Agency and Homeland Security, which shared the event on its Facebook page, is the county agency responsible for coordinating mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery efforts for natural disasters and other emergencies, and regularly partners with local health agencies and community organizations on public outreach. The agency is based at 729 6th St. in Portsmouth.
The information contained in this story was obtained from the Scioto County Emergency Management Agency.
