Walk on:

Officials encourage healthy activities, connections

Jana Mathia, Gazette Editor | Apr 09, 20200

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A mom and son bike along the Bill Chipman Trail Sunday.

In a time of self-isolation, staying engaged physically and mentally is still important to health.

While Dee Bryson was out walking the family dog with two of her children, a car approached, slowed, rolled down the window and then yelled at them to get six feet apart.

"It was kind of aggravating and funny at the same time," said Bryson.

The driver's concern may be understandable – Bryson's children are both about 20 years old, so the situation may have been perceived as three adult friends out for a walk instead of a family that lives together.

But what the Brysons were doing, going for a walk, is one activity still allowed in the shutdown. In fact, it is the crucial second part to the governor's Stay Home, Stay Healthy order.

"People are going to need to find ways to stay engaged and stay healthy," said Sheriff Brett Myers.

He referenced the Governor's order wherein Gov. Jay Inslee told the public it was still allowed to do things like yard work and walk the dog. Myers said there is no prohibition on being outside, and exercise is important. Exercise such as going for a run or bike ride, as an individual or family, are perfectly acceptable activities during the stay home order.

Not only is getting outside allowed, it is highly recommended for mental and physical well being, said Public Health Director Troy Henderson.

"I highly encourage people to go outside," he said.

With the weather predicted to turn warmer this week, Henderson said people should be getting out in their yards and streets – just keep six feet distance from people you don't live with.

In Bryson's family, they have recently studied the Spanish flu pandemic. At that time, it was found that people who got more sunshine recovered faster. For them, being outside for walks and such is part of their health plan to get through the current pandemic.

Henderson also said people should talk to their neighbors while they are out – again, from a minimum six-foot distance. But staying connected and mentally healthy is even more important than just getting some exercise, he said.

"We need to be looking out for our neighbors and making sure people still feel connected to the community," Henderson said.