Walkers take first steps in inaugural Go Grayslake campaign

Dozens of walkers, many sporting blue shirts with the initiative's logo, helped Go Grayslake kick off its summer of walking Sunday morning in Central Park.

The Grayslake program is one of 18 Go programs in Lake County this year. Last year only Gurnee, Waukegan and Antioch had such a program, which encourages residents to walk for 30 minutes a day. That level of activity helps improve mood, maintain a healthy weight, strengthen bones, improve balance, manage heart disease and slow the mental decline associated with aging.

The Go program was originated by the Gurnee Park District two years ago. Last year the district asked the Lake County Health Department to help spread the program across the county.

Jon Ashworth, the county health department's health equity coordinator, said he hopes to someday have Go programs in all 52 county communities.