Trails, Health, Cuba (NM) & the CDT

Trails, Health, Cuba (NM) & the CDT

by Dr Richard Kozall

If you are reading this article, it is likely that you have experienced the solitude, beauty, and challenge of hiking through the diverse landscapes traversed by the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. Many of us hike and walk for pleasure. But did you know that there is firm scientific evidence that the practice regular walking and hiking can increase the future quantity and quality of your life regardless of your age or physical condition?

As communities around the country begin to address the rising tide of overweight and diabetes, and become aware of the proven health benefits of physical activity, they increasingly develop trails as a central strategy. Those of us who live in or near Cuba, New Mexico are proud to be one of these communities

So what does science tell us about physical activity and health?

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, physical activity provides the following benefits:

  • Lower risk of dying from coronary heart disease and of developing high blood pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes.
  • Reduction in blood pressure in some people with hypertension.
  • Maintenance of normal bones, muscles, and joints.
  • Reduction of symptoms of anxiety and depression and improvements in mood and feelings of well-being.
  • Control of weight, development of lean muscle, and reduction of body fat.

In addition we know that for older adults, physical activity reduces the risk of falling and improves cognitive function.

And what about trails?

We know that enhanced access to places for physical activity such as parks and trails, combined with informational outreach, can produce an almost 50% increase in the frequency of physical activity. Such access has also been shown to produce an over 5% increase in aerobic capacity, as well as weight loss, body fat reduction, improvement in flexibility, and an increase in perceived energy. There is evidence that people who live close to parks and other green spaces engage in physical activity more often than those who do not.

There is also emerging evidence that adults may realize the many health benefits from simply spending time in natural environments. Those identified include less job stress, higher job satisfaction, fewer illnesses, less irritability and anger, less anxiety, greater attention and interest, enhanced feelings of pleasure, increased empowerment, fewer accidents, and improved problem solving.

And that brings us to Cuba and the CDT…

A diverse alliance of partners, including the Continental Divide Trail Alliance, is sponsoring Step Into Cuba; a program of trails, walkways and physical activity. Its vision is to create a healthier and more attractive community by developing sidewalks, crosswalks, walkways and trails through green corridors; improving pedestrian safety; connecting to surrounding scenic Federal lands, including a new segment of Continental Divide Trail; and providing social support for walking and hiking.

We have developed or are planning walking trails at our city park, library, local clinic, fairgrounds and schools. We intend to connect them by better walkways and trails to each other, hiking trails in the mountains and mesas that surround us and the Continental Divide Trail.

The CDT adds a particularly exciting dimension to the project. By creating easy access for visitors, Cuba will hopefully become a center for hikers. These hikers can serve as role models for local people as they acquire confidence in their capabilities to walk and hike into the scenic areas that surround them. And all may enjoy better health as a result of the program.

For more information on Step Into Cuba, see our website at www.stepintocuba.org.