On September 26th, Milestone Health Care Quality Unit (HCQU) West hosted self advocates from the western region for a wild day of safari fun. The Move Your Way Stepping into the Safari event, held at Keystone Safari in Grove City, PA, brought together individuals from Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Indiana, Lawrence, Mercer, and Venango Counties for a day of physical activity in an interactive animal and adventure park.

Natalie Symons, Director of Milestone HCQU West explained that the event was an extension of their regional walking club gatherings.

“We host weekly or bi-monthly ‘HCQU Walking Clubs’ in multiple counties in our region. Everyone is welcome and we often have people from the community join us. There is usually a brief chat about something related to wellness and light stretching. These walking clubs are held in different locations such as malls, parks, and athletic facilities. Stepping into the Safari began as extension of the walking clubs to bring the clubs together and think about different activities to increase movement.” 

Around thirty people participated in the day’s activities including Zumba, self-defense classes, music and dance, and animal feeding. The event was arranged by Milestone in partnership with local provider agencies to provide a day a movement and community-building for the individuals they support. Participants had the opportunity to see wildlife like lions, bears, hyenas, and giraffes up close while dancing through the day.

“Each person that attended received a pedometer and a Move your Way water bottle,” Natalie Symons recounts, “The Milestone HCQU West team shared with participants that they could improve their health by increasing the number of steps they walk each day and they can keep track of their steps by using the pedometer.” 

The connections individuals made throughout the day persisted. Not wanting the day to end, participants continued the gathering in a nearby area after the event had concluded.

What is Move Your Way?

Move Your Way is the physical activity campaign based on the second edition of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans. It offers tools and resources for individuals and professionals to learn about the Physical Activity Guidelines, share its key messages and encourage individuals to become more active. Recognizing the health disparities and co-existing medical conditions experienced by many individuals with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities and autism, ODP is promoting Move Your Way in cooperation with the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.  Becoming more physically active can help lead to happier, healthier lives. Please share widely!

How can you Move Your Way?

Anything that gets your heart beating faster counts. And it all adds up.

Find what works for you! Walking, dancing, gardening, swimming, and stretching are just a few suggestions for weekly movement.

Adults need a mix of physical activity to stay healthy.  Moderate-intensity aerobic activity at least 150 minutes a week, and muscle-strengthening activity at least 2 days a week. Do activities that make your muscles work harder than usual.