Sunday walks take a
step toward fitness

Although Hawaii adopted the self-promotional moniker as the Health State -- and indeed, Asians in Hawaii are among the longest-lived people in the world -- medical professionals also know that Hawaii residents rank above the national norm in rates of obesity, hypertension, diabetes and arthritis.

"Exercise Honolulu," which kicked off Saturday with a group exercise session at Ala Moana Beach Park's McCoy Pavilion, is a collaborative effort by the Friends of Honolulu County Medical Society, the state Department of Health, the city and county, and sponsor Meadow Gold Dairies of Hawaii to get people off their couches.

To help those who have made resolutions to get fit, the group is sponsoring "Sunday Walks in the Park" from 8 to 9 a.m. each Sunday through Feb. 17 at the following parks:

>> Aala Park, 280 N. King St.
>> Aiea District Park, 99-350 Aiea Heights Road, lower parking lot.
>> Aina Haina Community Park, 827 W. Hind Drive.
>> Ala Moana Beach Park, Diamond Head Concession.
>> Booth District Park, 2331 Kanealii Ave.
>> Central Oahu Regional Park, 94-700 Kamehameha Hwy., Pearl Harbor Comfort Station, Waipahu.
>> Haleiwa Alii Beach Park, 66-167 Haleiwa Road.
>> Hoomaluhia Botanical Gardens, 45-680 Luluku Road.
>> Kailua District Park, 21 S. Kainalu Drive.
>> Kaimuki Recreation Center, 1521 Waialae Ave., bandstand.
>> Kalakaua District Park, 720 McNeil St.
>> Kapiolani Regional Park Bandstand, 2755 Monsarrat Ave.
>> Kapolei District Park, 91-591 Farrington Hwy.
>> Kilauea District Park, 4109 Kilauea Ave.
>> Kualoa Regional Park, 49-479 Kamehameha Hwy., first comfort station.
>> Liliuokalani Botanical Gardens, 1632 Waikahalulu Lane.
>> Maili Beach Park, 87-021 Farrington Hwy., Waikiki comfort station.
>> Makiki District Park, 1527 Keeaumoku St.
>> Manoa District Park Recreation Center, 2721 Kaaipu Ave.
>> Old Stadium Park, 2237 S. King St.
>> Palolo District Park, 2007 Palolo Ave., gymnasium parking.
>> Salt Lake District Park, 1159 Ala Liliko Place.
>> Waiau District Park, 98-1650 Kaahumanu Ave.
>> Waimanalo District Park, 41-415 Hihimanu St.
>> West Loch Shoreline Park, 91-1000 Kapapapuhi St.

Participants are advised to check with a physician before starting this or any exercise program.

For more information about the program, call the Honolulu County Medical Society at 536-6988, or visit the Web site www.exercisehonolulu.com.

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