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September 17, 2015

Happy Fall, ya’ll!

General Health

poyersfarmmarketI just saw a meme on Facebook yesterday that mentioned that fall began in 7 days, Halloween is in 45 days and Christmas in 100—wait, what?! Please slow down 2015!

There are definitely some positives to this time of year—I love the changing of the leaves, the cooler weather for running, and pumpkin scented everything. (My fiancé would also say the season is “football” instead of fall). I will be the first to admit that I do become a little sad realizing that summer is over and (for me) the dreaded winter will be here before you know it.

Instead of being a grump, I started to think about all of the fall-related activities that Fort HealthCare and the surrounding communities offered, and realize that there is PLENTY to keep my mind off the fact that summer is winding down.

Farmer’s markets

Many of the area markets are starting to bring in their fall harvests, and will continue through October. When I think fall harvest, I think apples (pie!), pumpkins, potatoes, gourds, squash, pears, grapes and lots of flowers. There are many options for cooking with each of these items, and the sky is the limit. Walking to a market or through a market will give you a few extra minutes of cardio in your day as well!

Community coalition events

Did you know that the communities of Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Whitewater, Lake Mills, Cambridge and Johnson Creek all have community coalitions that provide education, programs and tools that communities can use to help all members improve their help? Information regarding membership and programming that is happening in your communities can be found at the Fort HealthCare webpage under community wellness and coalitions.

Two events that are coming up include the Cambridge (CAP) health and wellness expo on Saturday September 19th from 9a-12p at West Side Park and Jefferson (JUMP) is hosting a social at Vetro (hello, wine!) the evening of October 1st. Many events are held into the winter months that encourage families to get out and about and to have some fun!

Races

Fall is an awesome opportunity for runners and walkers to get outside and enjoy the beautiful sights without the humidity and extra sweating. A 5k is a perfect opportunity to get out by yourself or with family and friends and walk a new route, get your heart pumping, and enjoy a post-race snack and wear your race t-shirt with pride! Jefferson County has MANY race opportunities in the upcoming fall months and some of the ones that I have participated in and would recommend include:

Oct 10                   “Run for the Grapes” in Jefferson at Vetro Winery (Benefits Special Olympics)

October 17          “Run for the Fields” in Johnson Creek     (Money goes towards new athletic fields)

Nov 7                    “Tyrenena Beer Run” in Lake Mills            (Beautiful scenery and adult beverages)

Nov 14                  “Frosty Rock Challenge” in Fort Atkinson (Awesome 12k trail running and great 5k route-benefits the Jefferson Cancer Coalition)

Community Challenges

Rock the Walk is an exercise/step challenge that is 8 weeks in length and encourages all community members to begin exercising! This free challenge kicks off on September 29th and encourages 150 minutes of exercise per week (21 minutes a day!) and offers the chance at SWEET prizes. All information can be found at www.forthealthcare.com/rockthewalk It’s super easy to sign up, and helps to keep you up and at it when the days are getting darker and the temps are cooling off.

Other fun-filled fall activities

There are many other opportunities to get outside, get some exercise, and enjoy some of the fall-related activities that happen once a year.

  • Pumpkin and apple picking is a fun way to get fresh air, and to enjoy fresh produce
  • Corn mazes are a sneaky way to get exercise and the fall weather—Because I could get lost in a paper bag, I have to make sure I pack lunch when I go to a corn maze!
  • Raking leaves. Although a big chore, know that you are getting an awesome cardio workout while doing it!
  • New recipes. Try and find a new soup or chili recipe, or a healthy pie/bar recipe with the fall produce that the family will love! (Pinterest is my go-to).

 

Finding the positive in all seasons is easy when there’s a ton to do! What are you most looking forward to this fall?

Until next time!