Merle Hay Mall Walking

Merle Hay Mallwalkers*

Mallwalking at Merle Hay Mall has many benefits. We offer ramps and stairs for a more effective mall walk including a split level to vary your route. Forgot an item (shoes, towels, bottles of water)? These items can be purchased within Merle Hay Mall. Additionally, Merle Hay Mall has first aid kits and an AED in case of an emergency.

Walking Tips - Brought to you by Iowa Health - Des Moines*

One of the best ways for you to stay fit is to increase the amount of walking you do everyday. Not only will the increase in walking brighten your mood, and improve your overall health but it may also decrease your risk of getting certain diseases.

 

Walking around 10,000 steps a day can reduce your chance of heart attack, stroke, hypertension, some cancers, depression, anxiety and obesity as well as lower your blood pressure. Just walking 10,000 steps could add 1.3 years to your life.

 

The typical office worker takes in only 3,000 to 4,000 steps per day. Many people think they are getting in enough walking in a day but most are not. How can you fix this? Join a walking program like the Merle Hay Mall Walkers program.

 

In addition to walking at least 10,000 steps a day, you should also do one extra day a week of a challenging aerobic workout such as biking. Strength training is also beneficial in keeping your muscle fibers strong as you age. Iowa Health - Des Moines provides some suggestions on increasing the amount of steps you take daily: 

• Take a walk with a friend or spouse.
• Use the stairs instead of the elevator.
• Window shop.
• Park as far as possible away from work or the store.
• Get up to change the channel on the television.
• Walk around your garden.

By increasing your daily steps and taking more time to walk, you will become healthier and stronger. As you age, it is essential that you take the proper "steps" to keep both your mind and body at their finest.

 

                                                                

 

Doors & Hours for walking

 

Merle Hay Mall will open our doors 7 days a week by 8 a.m. for our mallwalkers. If you would like to walk earlier, MH Tower door will open at 7 a.m. This entrance is connected to the mall. The mall is closed to mallwalkers on Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

 

Length

 

Merle Hay Mall is 1 mile inside. Mile markers are located throughout the mall. There is a start marker at the East entrance and markers every 1/8 mile. Mile markers are provided by Iowa Health. Click for a walking map PDF.
 

Environment

Mallwalking inside Merle Hay Mall is a great benefit. The mall is environmentally controlled, lighted and safe, making it an ideal place to walk. Additionally, the weather is never an issue, so you can continue your exercise routine year round.

 

Other Great Benefits

Iowa Health Blood Pressure Checks

The first Monday of every month, Iowa Health will provide Free Blood Pressure Checks from 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m. located in Center Court. No appointment is necessary. The Main East Entrance will open at 7 a.m. on those days. Please note if the first Monday of the month is a holiday, the free Blood Pressure Checks will default to the following Monday.

Blood Pressure Checks Dates, Times & Locations

• Monday, February, 6, 2012 Center Court 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m. 
• Monday, March 5, 2012 Center Court 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m.
• Monday, April 2, 2012 Center Court 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m.
• Monday, May 7, 2012 Center Court 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m.
• Monday, June 4, 2012 Center Court 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m.
• Monday, July 9, 2012 Center Court 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m.
• Monday, August 6, 2012 Center Court 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m.
• Monday, September 10, 2012 Center Court 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m.
• Monday, October 1, 2012 Center Court 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m.
• Monday, November 5, 2012 Center Court 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m.
• Monday, December 3, 2012 Center Court 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m.
  

Iowa Health Blood Profile Screenings

 

Blood Profile Screening is a blood draw from the arm and is offered four times a year. You need to fast beginning at midnight prior to the screening. The blood is then tested for 25 components including, Total Cholesterol HDL LDL Triglycerides, Chol/HDL Ratio Glucose Sodium Potassium, Chloride CO2 BUN Creatinine, Uric Acid Total Protein Albumen Globulin, A/G Ratio Total Bili ALT Phosphorus, Iron LDH AST/SGOT Alk Phos, GGTP Calcium. The cost is $32 per person. Results are ready within 4-6 business days and are delivered to your home. Clients will receive an extra copy for their physician. Each profile includes a complimentary educational booklet "A Guide to Understanding your Blood Results". To register for the Blood Profile Screenings, please call the My Nurse number at 1-800-424-3258.

For fasting regulations and payment options please visit the Iowa Health website

 

Blood Profile Dates, Times & Locations 

• Monday, March 5, 2012 Center Court 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m.
• Monday, May 7, 2012 Center Court 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m.
• Monday, August 6, 2012 Center Court 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m.
• Monday, November 5, 2012 Center Court 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m.

Iowa Health HeartReach Mobile Lab

 

The HeartReach Mobile Lab from Iowa Health-Des Moines is a 37 foot Winnebago that brings dedicated technicians and nurses to Merle Hay Mall to provide the most comprehensive screening for heart disease and stroke. A variety of screening tests are available to help identify your risk for heart disease and stroke. Also, it's easy and affordable! To schedule an appointment, please call 1-866-935-5432. For more information, please visit www.iowahealth.org/heartreach.

 

Heart Reach Mobile Lab Date, Times & Locations: 

• TBD 

Additionally, in conjunction with the partnership with Iowa Health, health seminars on various topics will be held. Please continue to check back here or the events calendar so you won't miss any great events.

 

Important to Note:

 

*We encourage you to speak with your doctor before beginning an exercise routine. If you need to find a doctor, please visit the Iowa Health - Des Moines website: www.iowahealth.org