By CHERYL ROMANO/YachatsNews
YACHATS — If the approach of warmer weather calls you to get off the couch, you might consider a weekly group walk that benefits both you and the Yachats Library.
Working with Oregon Health & Science University, Yachats library administrator Traci Altson is organizing local residents to be part of a “Rural Libraries and Walking Project” that launches this spring. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, involves 20 libraries and their communities around the state.
“We’re looking for people who are not so active — engaging in physical activity fewer than three days per week — and would like to enjoy the health benefits of walking,” said Miller-Altson.
Those benefits, well-documented for years by health authorities, include improvements in blood pressure, sleep, mood, quality of life and insulin sensitivity, plus lower risk of heart disease, obesity, osteoporosis and certain cancers.
Candidates need to be over 18, reside in Yachats more than half-time, and able to commit to a regular walk for two years. The group will start from the library, walking at first for 20 minutes, and gradually extending to 45 minutes.
“The incentive — other than helping people be healthier — is that the library receives $5,000,” from the program, said Miller-Altson. Those who take part will also receive a t-shirt, and a wristwatch-type device to track their steps.
In addition, at four times during the study, OHSU researchers will assess participants by measuring weight, blood pressure and cholesterol and glucose levels. Members of the group will receive a $35 stipend to complete the first assessment this spring; stipends rise gradually to $60 for completing the last assessment in spring 2025.
Anyone interested can email Altson: Library@yachatsmail.org.
“I love the idea of having money for the library in conjunction with a good reason to get out there and walk,” said Altson, who is already a walker and will lead the local group.
Altson said her goal was to get up to 20 participants. She has that many signed up but is working through a phone interview/screening process to qualify them. Any others who sign up will go onto a waiting list should someone drop out.
“Once you agree and begin, it’s always voluntary to keep going,” said Altson, who was named library administrator last year.
People accepted in the study will be invited to a kick-off event in late April or early May. The group will decide what day and time to walk; in case of bad weather, a session may be re-scheduled. Altson is also looking into indoor alternative sites, such as the Commons. Slow walkers are welcome, and friendly, well-behaved dogs will be allowed on outdoor walks.
Rural libraries key to group activity?
“Everyone knows that exercise is good, and that walking is something most people can do,” said Jim Winkle, OHSU’s project manager for the walking study. “What we don’t know is this: can using libraries in small towns be the key to implementing weekly walking groups? The NIH wants evidence to see if these programs work.”
According to an OHSU study overview, “Rural residents tend to have higher rates of obesity, heart disease and cancer and are less active compared with their urban counterparts.” This difference, Winkle noted, may be due to the absence of community recreation centers and other exercise sites in rural towns.
An important part of the study will be the social aspects of group walking.
“Yes, we’re measuring blood pressure and cholesterol, but we’re also measuring ‘social cohesion’,” Winkle said. “People are more likely to stick with a program when they feel connected … when they have social support.”
The overall study in the 20 rural communities will take four years from start to finish. The results will be published in peer-reviewed clinical journals, and shared with the participating libraries.
“Funders want evidence: do these programs work?” said Winkle. “Will we have better health outcomes when people join the study? If so, then maybe this kind of program will be scaled up and funded.”
Yachats is one of several coastal communities involved in the walking study. Florence, Reedsport, Coos Bay, Gold Beach and Brookings are the others.
The 20 communities are split randomly into two groups: “Step It Up!” (the Yachats group) will focus only on the wellness benefits of walking. “Change Club” will look at those benefits, but also combined with teaching residents how to engage with local government to make walking easier in their communities.
- Cheryl Romano is a Yachats freelance reporter who contributes regularly to YachatsNews.com. She can be reached at Wordsell@gmail.com
The Yachats Library is amazing. Many thanks to the director and volunteers. If Yachats is the gem of the coast, the library provides a lot of the sparkle.
Thank you!