Eagle's Trace Residents Walk With Purpose

HOUSTON, TX---For Donna Schlitt, a resident of Eagle's Trace retirement community in Houston, there's nothing like a power walk to start the day or a leisurely stroll in the evening.
Either way, you "are doing something good for your body and stimulating your brain.  It is great exercise," she stated.
The leader of the Walking Group at the Erickson Living community is a believer in one step at a time to better health, coordinating a group of thirty fellow residents on weekly excursions. 
Mainly, the members enjoy the beautiful scenery of West Houston parks, or when it rains, the comfort of shopping malls...all at their own pace.
On April 13th, the Walking Group took it one step further by participating in the Texas Children's Hospital and Houston Marathon Foundation Family Fun Run.  The event was open to Houstonians to educate and encourage area children and their families to adopt active, healthy lifestyles.
Sponsored by the Sales Department, the sixteen participants from Eagle's Trace received special recognition during the event.
"One of the organizers told the crowd that we were 'role models' for everyone there," described Ms. Schlitt, a former resident of Spring Branch who owned a custom drapery business in Houston. 
Shirley Woods is the Wellness Manager at Eagle's Trace.  She oversees full-feature fitness and aquatics centers at the community.  "It is amazing how exercise can improve one's life, and there is no better way to start than simply walking," she said.
"Walking is ideal because the activity strengthens nearly every major body organ, promotes bone density and boosts the immune system.  Studies suggest that walking has a positive effect on our moods.  Our bodies were designed to move, and the more we do, the better we feel," stated Ms. Woods.
Harnessing the power of exercise lends itself to creating a routine, a notable advantage of the Walking Group at Eagle's Trace.
"Together, we tend to walk faithfully," noted Ms. Schlitt.  "Through encouragement and fellowship, we have become a family, all through a weekly walk." 

About Erickson Living:  Based in Baltimore, Maryland, Erickson Living is a nation-leading developer and manager of continuing care retirement communities.  The Erickson Living network currently comprises sixteen campuses in Colorado, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas and Virginia, which together are home to more than 22,000 residents and employ more than 12,000 people.  Further information regarding Erickson Living is available at:  www.ericksonliving.com.

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