pictureL Centro Imperial Valley Mall is usually bustling with shoppers, but on the morning of Saturday, June 22nd, “mall walkers” were in full force for the first-ever 1 Mile Beat the Heat Walk and Health Fair, hosted by InnerCare.
As part of InnerCare’s “Get Fit Program,” the opening ceremony of the “Beat the Heat Walk and Health Fair” was held at Imperial Valley Mall. Dr. Mohamed Abdalla, psychologist with InnerCare’s Behavioral Health Division, along with El Centro Mayor Sylvia Marroquin and IV Mall General Manager Alicia Swaim, encouraged participants to continue taking care of their physical and mental health by taking part in the walking program.
“Every morning at 7am, a local group called the IV Mall Walkers use the mall for their daily exercise,” said InnerCare communications manager Murray Anderson. “We (InnerCare) decided to sponsor this group and join them to continue to provide a climate-controlled place for the community to come and take a walk.”
Marroquín thanked both organizations for investing in spreading awareness about the importance of physical activity and its mental health benefits. “Walking is a simple act and walking can help reduce anxiety, so we hope that people can take advantage of this great program and find some relief,” she said.
Walkers of all ages and paces completed the one-mile goal by walking around the mall, then returned to the starting arch where El Centro Police Explorer trainees were waiting and providing free snacks and water.
Several local agencies participated to support the overall health of Imperial Valley residents, including Planned Parenthood, Project Food Box, Sure Helpline Center, Imperial Valley Food Bank, Imperial County Public Health and the Imperial County Transportation Commission. Wellness Fair attendees participated in games, interacted with the various agencies and won small prizes along with information. Innercare also hosted a raffle for one lucky winner to win a $500 gift card.
Anderson of InnerCare was pleased with the turnout at the event, and he hopes to make it an annual event and expand it in the future. “Two and a half years ago, we changed our name from Clinic de Salud del Pueblo to InnerCare, so we want to get more involved in the community,” Anderson said.
The public relations manager hopes this type of program will encourage the community to seek out InnerCare’s other services. “We want people to know that we offer a variety of services, including dental, vision and many others,” he said.
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InnerCare has also installed complimentary hand sanitizing stations throughout the mall. Nursing room facilities have been updated for new moms who need a private and comfortable space to feed their babies, providing a soothing respite.
The Get Fit program is just one of many that Innercare hopes will give the community an easier, more cost-effective way to exercise.
“One of the biggest benefits of walking is physical health and wellbeing,” says Dr Mohammed, “but alongside that is emotional and mental health. One of the most important things we want our community to know is that mental health and physical health are interconnected. If you can look after your physical health, you’ll also be able to look after your mental and emotional health.”
“We’re inspired by the community,” Dr. Mohammed said. He said a medical facility is set to open in Imperial next year that will focus on serving seniors. It will be a medical clinic that will also include adult day programs and community activities. “We hope to be a one-stop shop for seniors to help them enjoy a higher quality of life with their families.”