Get Walking! Decrease Risk of PAD with Walking Trails in Your Area

With the state on lockdown, people all throughout the area are looking for ways to get exercise, get out of the house, and improve their health, all while responsibly socially distancing. There are many obvious benefits of walking: increased energy levels, reduced stress, improved muscle tone and many more. But, did you know that walking can also reduce your risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD)?

Walking will improve blood vessel health and blood flow, reducing your risk of PAD. Of course, there are many other factors that come into play; a healthy diet, healthy weight and smoke-free lifestyle also contribute to lowering your risk. While the weather is beautiful, we encourage youto explore walking trails around your home! We want to share our favorite trails near our locations:

Allegan, Michigan – Allegan State Game Area

If you want to see wildlife, this is the trail for you! You have more than 50,000 acres to spot Canadian geese, deer and unique plants. You don’t have to be an expert hiker to walk these trails, you can enjoy a leisurely walk while exploring the beautiful outdoors.

Battle Creek, MI – Battle Creek Linear Park Trail

Want to bring education to your walking regime? The Battle Creek Linear Park Trail has signs indicating the surrounding animal and plant life, as well as the history and culture of the area. This trail extends for 20 miles, so you might want to grab a brochure before you begin your walk so you can determine how far you want to go.

Coldwater, Michigan – Rotary Park

Enjoy the scenic gravel trail located at Rotary Park! Walk along the Sauk River to get your blood flowing.

Delton, Michigan – Pierce Cedar Creek Institute

Walkers of the Delton, Mich. area are in for a treat! At the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute you can spot wetlands, forests, marshes, streams, lakes, and prairies! This special institute has multiple walking trails that are free to the public!

Dowaglac, Michigan – Dowagiac Woods Nature Preserve

In Dowaglac you can enjoy 2.5 miles of exceptional scenery and endangered wildlife. This nature preserve is home to almost fifty kinds of trees including blue beech, black ash, black walnut and hackberry.

Hastings, Michigan – Yankee Springs State Recreation Area

If you visit Yankee Springs State Recreation Area you will not be disappointed. Home to nine lakes, multiple intersecting trails and plentiful wildlife, you might want to take a few hours to explore the beauty!

Sturgis, Michigan – Camp Fort Hill

If you live near Sturgis, you can enjoy the 228 acres of woodlands and 3,860 feet of shoreline on scenic Tamarack Lake!

Paw Paw, Michigan – Kal-Haven Trail

The Kal-Haven trail stretches 33.5 miles throughout Van-Buren County and Kalamazoo County. On this trail you can spot dense wooded areas, beautiful farmland and you will even weave your way through a few small towns!

Three Rivers, Michigan – Three Rivers Park District

Three Rivers Park District features “Trails at Your Pace”, a list of trails that are designed for people of all ages and abilities. These trails features benches and other amenities for a leisurely walk. Most trails are paved, and feature serene surroundings perfect for your daily walk.

Staying ahead of PAD can be cost efficient.

Reduce your risk of PAD, along with your healthy diet and exercise regime come into our office for a PAD screening! PAD screenings are free for non-Medicare patients and only $25 for Medicare patients (due to Medicare regulations). Other clinics charge upwards of $150! For more information, give us a call today: 269.492.6500.