Steps to Stay Safe and Healthy on Central Oregon Trails
Whether working from home or in an office, a full day may be sedentary without planning to step away from your desk. Science tells us that the simple act of walking is one of the most powerful ways to achieve a healthy body and mind—and doesn’t require any extra equipment. So, as part of your healthy workday and workplace, create time for a walking break. But even for short tours, keep safety in mind.
SAIF is Oregon’s not-for-profit worker’s compensation insurance company and they encourage workplace safety and wellbeing. To enjoy the healthy benefits of walking, Kevin Kilroy, senior safety management consultant at SAIF, provides tips to be safe while reaping the benefits of walking at some of our favorite places in Central Oregon — one step at a time.
Walking Boosts Worker Morale
First, understand how incorporating exercise into an everyday work routine can boost morale at any workplace environment. Workers in offices that support and encourage regular exercise are absent less, are less prone to common workplace injuries and are more engaged with their fellow employees and the task at hand, according to SAIF’s Kilroy.
SAIF tip for a healthier workday: Take regular walk breaks throughout the day. Support, educate and, inspire co-workers or employees to prioritize regular exercise. Schedule walking meetings in place of sitting ones. Share tips on local hikes and walks and create employee walking groups.
Local Maps and Resources for Central Oregon Walking Trails
Walking is one of the simplest forms of exercise, and is supported by systems of trails that help make it even more accessible. Navigate walking trails for every fitness level with maps from Visit Bend. For a workday break, or after-hours adventure, start in downtown Bend, where the Visitor Center provides free maps and resources to help plan your way. Follow the Deschutes River Trail from downtown, or explore trails with geologic interest beyond Bend such as Newberry National Volcanic Monument. When exploring the outdoors, keep safety considerations front of mind.
SAIF trails safety tip: Carry a flashlight during early morning and evening hours. Keep your eyes on the trail and be aware of rocks and roots in your path. For your safety and the protection of wildlife, stay on designated and marked trails. Stay alert and watch for wildlife.
Take a Walking Tour of Bend’s Old Mill
With shops, restaurants and a dedicated walking path called the Old Mill Loop, Bend’s Old Mill District provides variety for a mid-day break. Follow the Deschutes River through the District and boost metabolism, keep joints, muscles and bones strong, reduce stress and improve mood all while discovering this vibrant area. Walkers, runners, and wild geese all converge on the Old Mill’s walkways, so SAIF’s Kevin Kilroy reminds walkers to walk on the right side and be aware of your surroundings as you walk.
SAIF pathways safety tip: Expect unpredictable movement from dogs, strollers and children on the Old Mill Loop—there are lots of shops, dining options and other people as distractions. It’s a good practice to keep a slight bend in your knees if off leash dogs run near you. If you are walking a dog, make sure they are leashed. Walk with caution on footbridges due to uneven wooden boards. If you venture off the paths and onto the road, always walk facing foot- or car-traffic. Use sidewalks and crosswalks when available.
Take a Field Trip to the High Desert Museum
As a break from routine, visit Central Oregon’s High Desert Museum. It offers immersion into the history, culture and native wildlife of the region while providing indoor and outdoor pathways to take some healthy steps. The 135-acre forested campus includes 100,000 square feet of exhibit space with winding interpretive paths. Exhibits inside include educational tours of the art, Indigenous people, and natural history of the area.
SAIF exploring safety tip: Be aware of cars while walking in a parking lot. Always make eye contact with drivers when crossing in front of them. Use designated trails when exploring the museum’s outdoor spaces and watch for fallen objects in the paths. Avoid texting while walking and keep an eye out for uneven ground indoors and out.
As a short break to step away from your desk, or a new way to conduct a meeting, walking incorporates healthy movement into each workday. It boosts morale, improves mood and helps maintain a healthy immune system. Whether the goal is 10,000 steps, or a walk around the block, keeping safety in mind allows employees and employers to stay on the path to wellness.
Learn more about SAIF – workers’ compensation insurance for Oregon. | Read more on local hiking trails with us.
