Health Department encourages Carson City residents to walk

In recognition of National Public Health Week, Carson City Health and Human Services is encouraging people to get out and walk.

“We really want to educate people about safe walking practices and encourage them to take part in this healthy activity,” said Cortney Bloomer, health educator for Carson City Health and Human Services. “I’m excited about it.”

The week will kick off with a community walk 1 p.m. Monday, starting from the Carson City Visitors Bureau to a surprise destination.

In a partnership with the Carson City Planning Division and the Carson City Visitors Bureau, a series of walking routes will be made available on the Visit Carson City app.

Pedestrians will be able to select a destination, such as the Capitol, and they will be given the safest route from the Carson City Visitors Bureau, along with the calculation of the mileage.

“In our downtown corridor, we have a lot of really interesting destinations that are easily within walking distance,” Bloomer said. “We’re really encouraging people to get out and see what Carson City has to offer.”

Kyle Horvath, social media manager for the visitors bureau, said the walking routes will serve as a useful addition to the bureau’s app for visitors to the capital city as well.

“When people come to Carson City, they want to be outside in the sunshine exploring what the city has to offer,” he said. “With the app, they will be able to plan a walking tour to visit one or many destinations throughout the city.”

National Public Health Week, April 6-12, is sponsored by the American Public Health Association. According to its website, nphw.org, the purpose is make the United States the healthiest nation in the world by 2030.

“Together we can make America the place where everyone has the best opportunity in the world for a long, healthy life,” it says, while inviting visitors to sign a pledge of greater personal and public health.

Carson City walkers can follow the Visit Carson City Facebook page for tips and information about pedestrian safety, as well as events scheduled during the week. Social media uses are encouraged to post their activities using the WalkableCarson hashtag.

Bloomer said the initiative is designed to encourage walking not just during the week but always, and, at the same time, create a more pedestrian-friendly community.

“All you need is a comfy pair of shoes,” she said. “Then just go outside.”