Three times a month for the past five summers, Patricia McBride, bikes to Rivard Plaza from her East Jefferson condo, joining fellow seniors for the annual summer DMC River Walkers program. In 2011, however, McBride couldn’t walk one block. “Dr. Elder at Harper Hospital cleared up the blockages in my legs, and I have been walking great since then,” she said. This summer, McBride will join over 1000 DMC RiverWalkers who want to get fit and have fun.
DMC’s River Walkers is a free program that encourages wellness for seniors 60 and older. Participants walk on the Detroit Riverfront, enjoy the view, socialize and learn about their health. The program kicks off at Rivard Plaza, 1340 Atwater Street, every Tuesday and Thursday, June thru August, (except during River Days, July 2, and inclement weather). Walking and registration begin at 8:30 a.m. One hour of walking is followed by a 9:30 fitness class or learning opportunity. DMC RiverWalkers is sponsored by DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital, The Rosa Parks Geriatric Center and The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.
“We offer seniors wellness opportunities and socializing in a beautiful setting,” said Ruth Kremer, Corporate Director of Marketing and Integrated Communications at DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital, who runs the program. “Our RiverWalkers seem to love the program.” Detroiters Vera Morris 77, Audrinee Smith, 68 and Barbara Young, 66, agree. “The socialization is so good, we’re all the same age,” said Smith. The three looked like old friends chatting and enjoying refreshments. “We just met this morning.”
Half of all seniors have high blood pressure, but don’t know it. “That’s why high blood pressure is known as the silent killer,” explained Dr. Jennifer Mendez, an award-winning gerontologist at Wayne State University School of Medicine. “Walking is the best exercise to reduce cardiac risk factors such as high blood pressure.” Mendez supervises a team of medical student volunteers who take blood pressure checks at the RiverWalkers event. “It’s a huge health benefit to the seniors.”
The program began in 2008 with a total of 225 walkers. Last year opening day drew a record 500 walkers with this year topping 920 walkers. “We’re proud of the community’s response to our program,” commented Reginald J. Eadie, MD, MBA, CEO of DMC Detroit Receiving and Harper-Hutzel Hospitals. “They tell us stories of how their health has improved, and how they recruited friends and family to join, and it’s gratifying for all of us.”
“The educational component of the program has also grown to include physical therapists, nurse practitioners, nurse educators and doctors. “Building these professionals into our program amplify wellness opportunities and increase our seniors’ quality of life,” said Kremer. With increased attendance, Detroit Receiving Hospital worked with Chene Park to use their parking lot for overflow parking. “We were happy to provide roundtrip shuttle buses every five minutes from Chene Park to Rivard Plaza and a security guard to remind seniors to remove their cars by 11:00 a.m.”
Any senior 60 and older is welcome. To register, come to Rivard Plaza and sign up for the program. Enjoy informal classes, wellness demonstrations, blood pressure checks, fitness exercises, and refreshments. Incentive gifts are given to those who walk three or more times a month. Everyone who signs up gets a t-shirt and a “welcome gift” such as a pedometer.
For further information call (888) DMC-2500 (888-362-2500).
Unsure about the weather? Call RiverWalkers hotline after 6:15 a.m. on walk days: 313.745.8260.
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