February 4, 2016

4 Heart Healthy Ways to be Involved in the Community

General Health

February is one of those months that is kinda “blah” for me—by this point I’m usually done with the snow and cold, things are downright depressing at my apartment because my other half is mourning the near-end of NFL football and I’ve gained a pants size from all of the Valentine’s Day candy.

Speaking of Valentine’s day, did you know that February has been dubbed “heart month” by the American Heart Association? You may see various ads on tv or more people wearing red in honor of this National event. It’s a great opportunity for folks to learn about heart disease risks, talk to their doctor, and ultimately make lifestyle changes that can help prevent this disease.

The surrounding communities have various events in February that you can participate in that will get the family out of the house, beat the winter blues and can help engage in heart healthy ways.kids sledding iStock_000021336780_Large

1)Railyard Fitness

Railyard fitness is a moveable playground from Fort HealthCare that is utilized on Sunday afternoons in various communities for free play for kids and adults. During the month of February, Railyard will be featured on Sunday afternoons from 2p-4p at Lake Mills Elementary School. This is a great opportunity to get the feet moving, heart pumping and enjoy a different way to exercise.

2)Community & Coalition Events

Another fun event offered in Fort Atkinson that will get you moving is the Haumerson’s Pond Ski and Hike event on February 20th from 6:00pm-10:00pm. This family-friendly event will offer sledding (count me in!), skating, skiing, snowshoeing and hiking by luminaries.

Both Fort Atkinson and Lake Mills are hosting FREE community coalition events that are open to the public. These events usually have various vendors and demonstrators available that can offer opportunities to become more heart-conscious, including fitness and cooking demonstrations, healthy cooking products, health-related films and socializing with members of the community. BOTH Lake Mills and Fort Atkinson are offering their fun-filled events the first weekend in February. Lake Mills will be offering a Candlelight Ski and Snowshoe event on Friday February 5th at Korth Park from 6:30p-8:00p and on Saturday February 6th at Commons Park there will be kid’s games in the park from 11:00am-1:00pm and family games from 1:00pm-2:30pm. Fort Atkinson will be offering their community event on Saturday February 6th from 10:00am-2:00pm at the Fort Atkinson High School.

3)Farmer’s Markets

The Fort Atkinson Club will be offering a winter market on February 6th (Wow, there’s A LOT going on that weekend!) that will offer winter produce, cheese, pastries, and various crafts items for participants. This is a great way to get farm-fresh products and perhaps pick up a new recipe with the vendor’s present!

4)Fitness Opportunities

Fort HealthCare will be kicking off many new sessions of cardio, strength and mind/body classes the month of February. This is a great and inexpensive way to get the blood moving, improve your health and meet new people. If you’re a bit crazy like I am, there are plenty of 5k and race opportunities in the area that promise to not only challenge you, but get you out of the house, get you moving and spend some time outdoors. Notice “freeze” was not in that list—remember to bundle up!

Check out FortHealthCare.com/wellness for more community resources.

Until next time!