CPMA Director Dr. Dean Nakadate (La Jolla); San Diego/Imperial Valley Valley Podiatric Medical Society President Dr. Henry Shin (National City); and Dr. Ronald Vanderheyden (Vista) presented San Diego City Council President Scott Peters with the 2007 APMA/Prevention Magazine Best Walking City Award on December 8, during the national Take Control of Your Diabetes (TCOYD) conference at San Diego’s Convention Center.

San Diego (ranked 7th) was one of three California (more than any other state) cities in the ten most walkable cities. The other California cities in the Top 10 were San Francisco at #3 and San Jose at #8.

In his presentation Dr. Vanderheyden 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 Californians.

”In fact, the cost of our not walking - 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. Nakadate 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 (where it can help increase productivity) or school (where it can improve alertness) day. And a walk after dinner is a great way for the family to spend quality bonding time together.

The California Podiatric Medical Association (CPMA) is the state’s leading professional medical organization for foot and ankle specialists and represents more than 1000 California doctors of podiatric medicine (DPMs). Since 1912 CPMA has served the people of California by promoting the science and art of podiatric medicine, protecting the public health, and elevating the standards of medical education.