June 6, 2015: Inaugural walk of the 2015 season!
A little overcast in the early morning, but the rain held off and we enjoyed a great stroll around East Harlem, learning about asthma resources in the community. We were especially pleased to welcome some first-time families!
Dr. Aimee and Dr. Cappy started off with an information session on what asthma is, what triggers it, and how to avoid those triggers and treat the asthma symptoms. Then, we headed east to First Avenue, and stopped at Jefferson Park (bathroom break!) before continuing on to one of our favorite green spaces: the Rodale Pleasant Park Community Garden. We passed out apples and bananas in the garden and composted on the spot. We also met two of the garden members who welcomed us to stroll around and view the large variety of crops: fruits trees, vegetables and herbs. Families are welcome to attend meetings and apply for membership: check the front gate for notices and hours of operation at 437 East 114th St.
Next stop around the corner was Little Sisters of the Assumption Family Health Service, our main partner for the program. We told families about the home environmental assessment program and signed up the interested families. Many asthma triggers can be mitigated or avoided by reducing exposures in the home, such as mold, pests and tobacco smoke. Visit the LSA site for more info.
Next stop was the East Harlem Asthma Center of Excellence, which offers asthma services for families. You can view their information here, and here.
We concluded the walk at another of our favorite green spaces: the Herb Garden’s “Dig in Art” event focused on outdoor creative projects; specifically, we learned how to turn old clothing into planters. It was a relaxing, educational and fun conclusion to a great first walk of the season.
Stats
Date: June 6, 2015
Adults: 18
Children: 25
Total: 43
Miles: 1.6
Calories: 350*
Time: about 2.5 hours
Co-leaders: Cappy Collins, Aimee Mankodi, Deysi Martinez; with special appearances by Kristin Oliver, Perry Sheffield
*http://www.nutristrategy.com/activitylist4.htm
“Walking, under 2.0 mph, very slow,” 155lbs = 140 kcal/hr