On April 7^th the rains retreated and the dark clouds parted to reveal a seldom seen sight in Northern California lately – beautiful sunny blue skies and temperate temps. These conditions combined for a picture perfect day for the City of Fremont’s Walk-to Work Celebration. (Left to right) City Manager Fred Diaz; Councilmember Anu Natarajan; Vice Mayor Steve Cho; Dr. Anthony Poggio; and Dr. Carolyn McAloon

Dozens of walkers including Fremont City officials attired in business suites, employees in jeans and warm-up suits, and residents pushing strollers and walking Rover, converged on Central Park for a 2-mile noontime walk around lovely Lake Elizabeth.

Sponsored by the California Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA) and the City of Fremont, which was recently named one of “America’s 2006 Top 10 Walking Cities” by Prevention Magazine and the American Podiatric Medical Association. The event began with opening ceremonies, including welcoming remarks from the City of Fremont Vice Mayor Steve Cho, Councilmember Anu Natarajan, and City Manager Fred Diaz.

Then California’s 2005 Podiatric Physician of the Year, Dr. Anthony Poggio, a podiatrist in private practice in Alameda, congratulated Fremont on their award. and spoke briefly on the many benefits of walking, including:

Strengthening the Heart and Lungs
Improved Circulation
Preventing (or rehab) Heart Attacks and Strokes
Reduce Obesity, Hypertension, and risk of Diabetes
Boosting the Metabolic Rate
Reducing Stress and Tension

Dr, Poggio was joined by the Immediate Past President of the Alameda/Contra Costa Podiatric Medical Society Dr. Carolyn McAloon, a podiatrist in private practice in nearby Castro Valley. She cheerfully led the walkers in some warm-up stretches and provided tips on getting the most out of the walk. Then the whole group strolled off into the sunshine.

“This was a great way to shaking off the wet winter doldrums,” said Dr. Poggio. “And, I hope the City Fremont makes it an annual event.”

Each walker received a CPMA goodie-bag, which included a t-shirt, bumper-stickers, a miniature first aid kit, tips on walking and podiatric medicine, and a copy of Prevention Magazine.