This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Sandy City has added a dose of physician peer pressure to a seven-year-old program aimed at helping residents lose weight and get in shape.
Families registering for "Sandy Shape Up," a free, eight-week walking program, earn points and prizes by completing weekly hikes on stroller and scooter-friendly park trails. Participants this year also get a chance to "Walk With a Doc," and discuss health and lifestyle concerns with medical experts from Alta View Hospital.
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," said Alta View emergency physician Eric Gilbert in a press release. "Besides the health benefits of these walks, the program gets people involved in the community and helps to improve relationships with family and friends. It all builds on itself."
The walks are held in different parks every Monday at 6 p.m., starting on Memorial Day:
May 26 • Walk on your own during Memorial Day week.
June 2 • Alta View dietitian Lindsay Park at Flat Iron Mesa Park (1700 East 8600 South).
June 9 • Christian Neff, Alta View emergency physician, at Wildflower Park (9939 South Wildflower Lane).
June 16 • Adam Taintor, Alta View dermatologist, at Falcon Park (9200 South 1700 East).
June 23 • Christian Sybrowsky, Alta View orthopedic surgeon, at Buttercup Park (10075 South 1550 East).
June 30 • Prizes and drawings, Lone Peak Park, (10140 South 700 East).
For more information, visit: healthysandy.org.