One step at a time

Published 8:02 pm Saturday, August 21, 2010

Life Walk: Participants walk the track at a recent Immunization Awareness Live Life Walk in Suffolk. The walks encourage people to do what they can, even if it’s only a quarter-mile.

After battling her own weight, which contributed to her hospitalization, Tisa Edwards is on the move.

Edwards has organized the Immunization Awareness Live Life Walks that have been held in Hampton Roads cities the past few weeks.

The idea behind it is that “you start off with what you can do,” organizer Tisa Edwards said. “You just start at your own pace, and you don’t let anyone stop you — not even yourself.”

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Edwards decided to start the walks as a result of her own health battle and the example of her friends.

“I myself am rebuilding my health and my life,” Edwards said. “Almost two years ago, I was hospitalized, and I’d been what could be called disabled for the past few years when I was just in my early 30s. Now, I’m in my mid-30s, and I went from being inactive to getting my life back. I’m able to go to theme parks with my kids.”

Through walking and learning proper nutrition, Edwards has lost 24 pounds and is off the many medications she was on before.

“I’ve found a simple walk has made a major difference in my life,” Edwards said. “There’s something everyone can do, no matter what shape you’re currently in.”

The walks were for up to thirty minutes, with no strict guidelines or requirements.

Participating in the President’s Active Lifestyle Award was also optional, and could be completed in partnership with other devoted walkers during the events.

Two walks were completed in Suffolk this week. To find out more information about any upcoming walks or nutritional information, call Edwards at 739-1130.

“We’re fighting against obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis and so much more,” Edwards said. “It’s about living an active life and putting aside anything that gets in the way for that.”