Walk a Hound, Lose a Pound

Walk A Hound, Lose A Pound: Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center Partners with the Humane Society and the City of Cape Girardeau to provide Healthy Activity for Man and His Best Friend

Two societal problems, obesity and unwanted pets in shelters, may have a common solution. Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center, the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri, City of Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation and the Healthy Communities Coalition will pair people needing exercise with shelter animals wanting a walk.

A recent Community Health Assessment completed by the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center, Southeast HEALTH, and St. Francis Medical Center revealed that one of our community's priority health issues is obesity. Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center Director Jane Wernsman states " Obesity effects the other two identified community health issues of heart disease and diabetes" The high rate of obesity in U.S. adults and children creates a compelling need for innovative projects aimed at increasing physical activity." Additionally national research shows that there are benefits to people walking dogs to lose weight and maintain active lifestyles. Dr. Rebecca Johnson, PhD, RN, director for the Research Center for Human Animal Interaction at the University of Missouri in Columbia, has conducted a research study which demonstrated that enjoyable interaction with a dog changes body chemistry and enhances a person's physical well being.

Both individuals and animals participating in the program receive the benefits of physical activity. In particular, a dog is an excellent workout partner -- always supportive, never judgmental, and always ready to go for a walk. According to Requi Salter, Humane Society of SEMO Board Member and volunteer, " We believe the exercise the animals receive from the programs will reduce their stress levels and make them happier animals. Hopefully this will increase their chances of being adopted!" Combining a walking activity for both individuals and dogs provides health and fitness benefits on both ends of the leash.

The program, which will be held from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. every Saturday in October, consists of the Humane Society of SEMO transporting dogs that have amicable personality, ability to walk, and availability for adoption to the Osage Center in Cape Girardeau. Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department staff will manage on-site registration of participants and provide the use of the walking trail at the Osage Center. Ms. Julia Thompson, Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Manager is encouraging individuals that the project to participate each week. "We provide several exercise classes and most individuals who sign up complete all sessions of the programs." The Health Center will provide a some baseline screenings to include blood pressure, height, weight, and body mass index or BMI. Southeast Health will provide each participant with a pedometer to track steps walked. Health and nutritional information will be available from St. Francis Medical Center and the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

"We anticipate that there will be weight loss and an increase in physical activity outside of the weekly dog walks among those who participate. " Wernsman relates. "We will also monitor dog adoption rates at the three local animal shelters before and after implementation of the project. Similar projects have been conducted in Columbia, MO, Indianapolis,IN and Lubbock, TX with favorable outcomes in people and in shelter adoption rates."

Scheduled dates include October 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 9-11 a.m. at the Osage Center. To register before the event, call the Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center at 573-335-7846. Walk-ups are welcome; however the number of dogs for walking will depend upon availability. Leashes and dog treats provided ... just bring your walking shoes.