Niagara County public health director joins Lockport mayor to promote health benefits of walking

Niagara County Public Health Director Daniel Stapleton joined Lockport Mayor Anne McCaffrey on her weekly "Walk a Mile with the Mayor" this past Monday.

McCaffrey began her weekly walks through downtown Lockport to promote the walkability of the city as well as to encourage physical fitness.

Stapleton said, "The importance of exercise and its positive impact on health and chronic disease prevention cannot be understated. We can easily initiate good health practices like this in our homes, workplaces and neighborhoods."

Stapleton has always encouraged his own public health staff to walk the campus at the Niagara County Department of Health and to fit exercise into their daily routines in the workplace.

"You will see staff out walking during their lunch breaks every day," he said.

Stapleton also encourages staff to "take the stairs for health" at the Department of Health.

"Studies have shown significant health benefits from walking up the stairs instead of taking the elevator," he said. "Climbing a few flights of stairs can burn 120 calories. One study shows a 29 percent reduction in stroke risk in men who take three to five flights of stairs a day.

"To see Mayor McCaffrey visibly promoting the importance of exercise in her hometown sets a fine example for the communities we serve, and supports our public health initiatives to reduce obesity and prevent chronic diseases in Niagara County. I am pleased she invited me to join her, and I encourage others in all of our Niagara County communities to come out and walk a mile."