National Trails Day —
Take a Path to a Healthier You

Americans across the country are lacing up their hiking boots and gearing up for this year’s National Trails Day® — the largest single-day, annual trails celebration. Organized by American Hiking Society, a national non-profit organization, the 13th annual National Trails Day (NTD) is set to kick off on Saturday, June 4, and is expected to inspire nearly one million people to get outside and enjoy America’s public trails at more than one thousand nationally sanctioned events.

National Trails Day offers a variety of activities for every member of the family – from trail festivals and family fun days to hikes for all ages and skill levels. Scheduled events include hikes; horse, boat and bike rides; outdoor festivals; trail openings and dedications; volunteer trail building and maintenance projects; and educational programs.

“The great thing about trails is that they can be enjoyed by all segments of the population. From young children to senior citizens, and casual walkers to avid hikers, trails offer all Americans a healthy, enjoyable way to spend time outside,” says American Hiking Society President Mary Margaret Sloan.

National Trails Day events are hosted by local and statewide trail clubs, city, state and federal public land or health agencies, community groups, businesses and other non-profit organizations. People interested in attending a local event should visit American Hiking’s National Trails Day web site, www.NationalTrailsDay.org. The site includes a map allowing users to search for registered events in their local community and across the country.

Many of the events in 2005 will focus on this year’s health related theme, “Take the Path to a Healthier You.”

Stick with This Self-Massage Tool

One of the latest innovations in therapeutic massage, The Stick is a rolling tool designed to smooth out muscle pain, strain, cramps and fatigue.

Studies show The Stick increases circulation, relieves pain, and increases range of motion. It can be used as a pre-exercise muscle warmer or to ease the cool-down stretching process.

Walk About tested the Marathon Stick, a flexible 20-inch rod with 10 free-spinning plastic spindles.

The Stick performed as promised, and felt especially good after a long sit-down session in front of a computer. The tool can be used on the back, neck, arms, and legs. Rolling the bar underfoot gives a pleasant acupressure massage. Engineered to accommodate different body types, The Stick comes in a variety of lengths, weights and relative stiffness. The product comes with an illustrated usage guide and a one-year warranty.

The Marathon Stick retails for $29.95. Check out the catalog online at www.intracell.net to order call 800-554-1501.

BOOK REVIEW
Walking Made Powerful For the Short, Fat, Old, Tired, and Everyone Else
By Tyler Burgess

Is it a miracle? The short walk fast. The fat walk far. The old walk steady. The tired walk strong. Learn how in this valuable guidebook with clear graphics and instructions of walking form and a total fitness routine designed especially for walkers. Start with 10-minute walks and become a marathon finisher (26.2 miles). An adjunct instructor teaching fitness walking at the University of Oregon, and a marathon walking coach at Lane Community College, Tyler Burgess takes you there. Available at www.WALK-WITH-ME.com or call 541-684-4951.