My typical morning begins with a workout at the Philip Heit Center for Healthy New Albany,
Photo by Wes Kroninger
Phil is holding flags representing a sample of the various nationalities that are represented during the Classic Invitational Grand Prix and the Walking Classic. Germany, the United Kingdom and Canada are some of the places from which people travel to attend the Walking Classic. The event draws participants from all over Ohio and the United States. Riders in the Classic Grand Prix hail from locations including Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand and Venezuela.
followed by a quick shower. Then I meander a minimal number of steps to my office, where a continuum of scheduled meetings begin.
Most days, I have the opportunity to fulfill requests from friends and area businesses to walk interested parties through the maze of personalized and innovative activities that are taking place at the Center.
One of the highlights I enjoy most is sharing with visitors the remarkable job our team performs in helping to change lives. So it was no coincidence that during one of my tours, I highlighted to my visitor that at least once per week, I am approached by someone with uninhibited enthusiasm about how the Center has impacted her or his life.
At the moment I highlighted this point, we were interrupted by a Center member who was eager to share how her life changed.
“Phil, excuse me for interrupting, but I want to let you know I am a new person and my life is so much more meaningful now,” she said.
What timing!
Eleven years ago, the New Albany Walking Classic became a reality. It was with the idea that this event would not only challenge one’s physical ability but that it would be the inspiration for the creation of the Center.
Over the years, it became evident that the Walk and its outcomes proved to be something much more than physical. The woman who shared how she felt like a new person was really expressing how much she has benefited mentally.
Too often we fail to acknowledge the impact physical activity has on mental well-being.
In this issue, you can find a number of stories about how mental and physical health are intertwined. Mental health professionals are often the first to see that their patients who engage in physical activity such as regularly walking become happier individuals. That’s the mental side of fitness.
Be happy. Walk on.
Healthfully,
Phil
