Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

Diabetes is one of the top ten leading causes of death in America and diabetes awareness and education is becoming ever more important for the prevention of the disease. The Let's Get Healthy Program provides this education for the Akwesasne community by raising diabetes awareness as well as provides activities that teach participants how exercise and proper diet can head off the disease.

One of the events that LGHP sponsors is the Twilight Fun Run/Walk series every Thursday in the months of July and August. This community event is for open to everyone; veteran runners or first time runners, along with daily walkers or occasional walkers. Families with pets and strollers can also join in the fun. Sugar free and regular popsicles, water and prizes are available for every participant.

"The first week we had about 35 participants but we can get up to 80 people. Each year we get more and more participants," stated LGH staff member Cherie Bisnett. "The purpose is to get everyone out and active."

There are two trails that are beautiful and serene, with ponds, trees, singing birds and benches if one needs a little rest. The longer trail is a half-mile in length and the shorter trail is .4 in length. All participants sign in and keep track of the laps that they ran or walked and when finished they jot down the number next to their name. A weekly prize is given to everyone.

Eight-year-old Kaiatonni Swamp was walking the trail for the first time. "I like it because it's like a sport and I want to be in track someday," she said.

Let's Get Healthy staff members Jessica Hopps and Cherie Bisnett model the cool sunglasses that were the weekly prize to all the runners and walkers that participated in the Twilight Fun Run/Walk.

Patricia Pierce was walking with her two daughters and said, "I walk at least three times a week to help keep my diabetes under control. I also want to keep my girls active."

"I do this every year and I usually drag my sister," explained Aimee Benedict. "It's nice to get out and exercise. Rubbo likes it. As soon as I get my walking shoes on, she (the dog) is ready to go."

A mother, Sheila, explained, "I usually have my boys with me. I have them walk two laps before they go to the playground and get popsicles. It's motivation for them but for me it's exercise."

So take those sneakers out of the closet, lace them up, grab the kids, a friend (human or four-legged) and join the free and fun Let's Get Healthy weekly Twilight Fun Run/Walk at Generations Park every Thursday in July and August, from 5:30p.m-7:00p.m. Your body will be glad you did. For more information call 518-358-9667.