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New Social Media Campaign: What will you discover?

Posted: 4/1/2020

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New Social Media Campaign: What will you discover?

Want to improve your mood, strengthen bones and muscles and improve your balance and coordination?

That could be as simple as taking a walk.

According to the Mayo Clinic those are just a few of the health benefits of regular brisk walking. They also list prevention — or management — of conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure and Type 2 Diabetes as benefits of walking. Regular walking may also help you maintain a healthy weight.

While it’s important to get outside for your well being, it’s equally crucial we follow the social distancing guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention — for your health and the health of the community.

That means keeping at least six feet away from other people and utilizing the trails and walkways that are in your own neighborhood.

As Lake George Land Conservancy Executive Director Jamie Brown said in a recent statement:

“Please enjoy the outdoors, take a walk or hike, and exercise, but do so locally and practice social distancing. The State, local towns and many partner land trusts have wonderful preserves and parks throughout New York, as do other areas. Keep in mind that currently there are very limited services available within the Lake George area. This includes Forest Rangers, who are being used for emergency situations related to COVID-19 throughout the State. Furthermore, many of the LGLC and DEC trails are far from ideal right now, with icy and muddy conditions on most popular trails.

So please, enjoy local, low-risk, and individual outdoor activities for now. If you are currently local to Lake George and do utilize our preserves, avoid crowded parking lots, respect other hikers and keep your distance, and be very aware of trail conditions to minimize risk.”

The Adirondack Mountain Club also issued a statement urging people to stay local.

“'Until more restrictive policies are issued, ADK will continue to echo directives from the relevant authorities, which is to stay local and recreate individually,' urges Tom Andrews, ADK President. Even when hiking, please be sure to observe social distancing by staying 6 feet or more from others and practice good hygiene by washing your hands or using hand sanitizer."

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation launched a new social media campaign as well using #RecreateLocal to encourage people to enjoy outdoor recreation close to home.

DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “New York State is home to some of the most spectacular public lands and parks in the world. In uncertain times, these special places can serve as an oasis from stress, fear, and anxiety. We encourage people to get outside—close to home—and follow these basic guidelines to help ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones.”

State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said, “New Yorkers are turning to our parks for exercise, stress relief, and a healthy nature break in these difficult times. To keep these places safe and healthy for everyone, we need to adjust the ways we enjoy our parks. Keep visits short and local, avoid crowds, and practice physical social distancing.”

Click here to read the full press release from NYS DEC.

What will you discover?

Since today, April 1, is National Walking Day we are launching our “What will you discover?” social media campaign with a post on walking.

Our “What will you discover?” series was created as a means to encourage people to look around them to see what they can discover in their own neighborhoods and homes as we all do our part to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Through this interactive series, we hope to hear from you about what you have discovered and keep a dialog going virtually with our Chamber business members, local community, and tourists whom we look forward to welcoming back to the area when it is safe to travel again.

While there are many uncertainties now, here’s what we are certain of:

The beautiful mountains, pristine lakes and fresh air aren’t going anywhere.
Our rich history and monuments will still be here when this passes.
We’ll be here to help you find comfortable lodging, your perfect dining experience, great shopping, unique events, and fun attractions when it is time to travel again.
We will — and ARE — getting through this — one day at a time.

Walking Techniques

If you’re looking to make some new discoveries walking around your neighborhood, here are some walking techniques from the Mayo Clinic:

Keep your head up and look forward, not at the ground
Relax your neck, shoulders and back.
Swing your arms freely with a slight bend in your elbows.
Stomach muscles should be slightly tightened and your back straight, not arched forward or backward
Walk smoothly, rolling your foot from heel to toe.

Resources

Below are some more resources if you’re looking for places in your neighborhoods to get outside. Again, please visit the parks closest to your homes to minimize any travel. If you go to a hiking trail and it appears the parking lot is filling up, please go to a different trail with less traffic. Avoid touching any surfaces at the park as well such as playground equipment.

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