CPMA Director Dr. Michael Cornelison (Los Gatos) and Santa Clara Valley Podiatric Medical Society President Dr. Ami Sheth (Los Gatos) presented San Jose mayor Chuck Reed with 2007 APMA/Prevention Magazine Best Walking City Award on September 28 at San Jose’s city Hall. San Jose (ranked 8th) was one of three California (more than any other state) cities in the ten most walkable cities. the other cities were San Francisco at #3 and San Diego at #7.

Following the formal presentation Drs. Cornelison and Sheth joined Mayor Reed and members of the San Jose City Council for a celebratory walk around City Hall. “We’re happy about the award, and proud to be a walkable city,” said mayor Reed, who continued with “It’s good for health; it’s good for the kids, it’s good for the environment. “We’re designing our city on a human scale, which makes for a much more pleasant environment to work in. Walking helps the body; not only the feet, but the entire body.”

In his presentation Dr. Cornelison noted the many health benefits

of walking. “Walking is just about the best health bargain around. It’s

fun, easy to do, and absolutely free. Research supports the long-standing belief that taking just a few extra steps a day can improve the lives of all Americans.

”In fact, the cost of our not walking as a nation - and living a

sedentary lifestyle - is staggering. Obesity and poor physical fitness are rapidly catching up to smoking as the leading causes of preventable death in the United States.” Dr. Sheth concluded “It is the goal of the California Podiatric medical Association to inspire all Californians to incorporate walking into their lives by making it a pleasure, not a chore. A walk can be an invigorating way to clear your head and ready yourself for the work or school day. It can also help increase productivity at work as well as alertness in the classroom. At home, bond with your family with an after dinner walk. So get out the stroller, grab the leash and rover and go for a walk!”