Take Steps Towards Wellness

If you live in the Tri-City Area and want to increase your activity level while gaining valuable information about your health, the Heart Smart Walking Challenge may be for you. Union City Community and Recreation Services and Washington Health just launched this free community program in response to recent research findings that Union City residents have a higher rate of cardiovascular disease.

The Heart Smart Walking Challenge offers several ways to help get you informed, moving and motivated, and it is all free of charge. You can track your weekly steps, complete challenges, and be eligible for monthly gift card raffle prizes. Receive weekly motivational emails, workout tips, and advice from personal trainers and health professionals. You can also participate in walking events with nurses and/or doctors, to get health advice and your questions answered while you exercise.

“The idea for the Heart Smart Walking Challenge emerged after Washington Health shared the results of their Community Health Needs Assessment with Union City staff,” said Union City Recreation Program Coordinator Robert Magbanua. “The study highlighted the critical need for heart health initiatives, which motivated me to reach out to Washington Health for a partnership in creating a fitness challenge that rewards community members for staying active, recording their progress, and prioritizing their heart health. I’m truly excited about the potential of this program to raise awareness and make a meaningful impact on the health of our community.”

Washington Health’s 2023 Community Health Needs Assessment found Union City residents had more Emergency Department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths related to heart disease and stroke compared to other cities in the Washington Township Health Care District. In direct response, the health system hosted a Heart Health Fair at their Nakamura Clinic in

Union City that was attended by more than 300 local people last September.

“After the Heart Health Fair, we were thrilled when Union City asked Washington Health if we would like to partner on a year-round program to help local people get active and motivated to improve their heart health,” said Washington Health Community Outreach Manager

Kayla Gupta. “Our clinical experts regularly present at schools, businesses and senior centers in the community, but sharing health information while walking on scenic paths with others creates a fun, healthy opportunity for our community members.”

To register for the challenge go to UnionCity.org and type “Heart Smart” into the search bar. Then, look for an introductory email with instructions on how to get started and some suggested walking paths. Return to the webpage and click “Submit Your Steps” button at the end of each week to log your activity. Make sure the contact information you entered matches the name you use on the activity tracker to be eligible for prize drawings throughout the year.

Every month a gift card is awarded to a randomly selected person who has consistently logged their steps and activity. At the end of the year, whoever has logged the most activity will win a special grand prize. While the program is run by Union City, all residents in the Tri-City Area are welcome and invited to participate.

“It’s awesome for Union City’s Community & Recreation Services Department to collaborate with Washington Health for these health walks and talks,” said Maynard Estrellado, Union City recreation supervisor. “I got to meet some local residents who grew up in the area and caught up with some old friends during the first walk. And the weather was gorgeous that day. I can’t wait for the next one!”

To read the most recent Washington Health Community Health Needs Assessment go to WashingtonHealth.com/CHNA. For more information on the Heart Smart Walking Challenge, call 510.675.5808.

To register for this fun, free, and good-for-you program go to UnionCity.org and search Heart Smart.