Logan Health – Whitefish was the first hospital in Montana to become affiliated with Planetree International in 2002, and when the Whitefish hospital moved to its current location, several components of the Planetree model were kept in mind. One of the components, “healthy communities,” inspired a one-mile multiuse trail on its 45-acre campus.
The path parallels Hospital Way on the east side of the hospital with views of Big Mountain, Tea Kettle, Columbia Mountain and into Glacier National Park. On the west side, the path meanders through a small forest, connecting to the meadow on the north end of Logan Health – Whitefish’s property. On the south side, the path completes a circle as it arcs around the medical village.
Enjoyed by hospital employees and community members, the path promotes better health for all who walk, run or roll (bike, skateboard, scooter, wheelchair, etc.) with its views and trees, grasses and flowers. It passes by the Planetree Healing Garden, where flowers, trees and produce grow. It also connects via River Lakes Parkway to the City of Whitefish’s trail network.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, children and teens need 60 minutes of activity daily, while adults should have 150 – 300 minutes of activity per week. Preschool-aged children (ages 3-5) need the most activity of all, but they often don’t have trouble being active all throughout the day.
What if, instead of a car, people chose to walk or roll? Within the Whitefish city limits, multiuse paths connect neighborhoods to the downtown core and to each other, allowing residents and visitors to get their recommended daily exercise while reaching their destination.
Taking time for a morning walk is good for physical health and, if brisk enough, can stimulate the growth of nerve cells in the brain, increasing focus and attention. Taking a break during the workday reduces stress and boosts mood. A walk after a meal helps balance blood sugar and improves digestion, which can help with weight loss.
When rolling on a path on a bike, scooter or other wheeled gear, the same healthy benefits apply. Keep in mind that on shared paths pedestrians have the right-of-way. Bikes, especially e-bikes, are faster than pedestrians and should slow down when in areas that may have more people. Pedestrians may not hear or see a bike approaching from behind, or around a blind corner; bike bells are a wonderful way to notify pedestrians.
Bikers should avoid riding on busy sidewalks, such as the ones downtown where there are more pedestrians. Once downtown, bikers can park on one of the bike racks and walk to their destination.
On Tuesday, June 17, Logan Health – Whitefish and other local organizations and businesses will host a table at the Walk and Roll Block Party from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Central Avenue and 1st Street during the farmer’s market. The community is encouraged to walk or ride to the market and stop by the Logan Health – Whitefish booth. Nurses from the emergency department and community health will be available to offer bike safety tips and bicycle helmets for those that need one.
Here’s to a healthy summer!
