Arbor Health will be putting on a lineup of wellness-related activities for East Lewis County the week of Aug. 22-27. The intention of the event is to encourage community members to get moving, eating healthier and learning about ways to improve their health.
Along with a photo contest on Monday, Thursday and Friday tied to the themed days, each day of the week will have events and themes to motivate the community to focus on wellness.
Email photos to dmarkham@MyArborHealth.org by Monday, Aug. 29 for judging. Winning photographs will be published in area newspapers, and posted to Arbor Health’s website and social media accounts. Appropriate prizes will be awarded per category.
The full schedule and themes for wellness week are as follows:
Monday, Aug. 22 — Get Moving Monday
Arbor Health will encourage residents to go for a walk around the neighborhood, play an outdoor game, mow the lawn or engage in any other physical activity.
“Whatever gets you up and moving is a contribution to your health and wellness. We invite you to email us a photo of your activity,” stated a news release from Arbor Health.
Tuesday, Aug. 23 — Arbor Talks
“Gun Safety Is No Accident”
At Morton Rifle and Pistol Club, 6603 U.S. Highway 12, Morton
Instructors from the Morton Rifle and Pistol Club will present a one-hour class with demonstrations on the basics of firearm handling and storage safety options.
Wednesday, Aug. 24 — Arbor Talks
“Arbor Talks at the Roxy”
Morton Roxy Theater, 233 West Main St., Morton
• 5:30 p.m. “Moving to the Glucose beat,” The effects of exercise on blood sugar by Dr. Travis Podbilski
• 6 p.m. “Better health by eating more. Secrets from Centenarians," by Dr. John E. Gobble
• 6:30 p.m. “Swallowing isn’t always as easy as pie," by NiCassia Gabiola, SLP
• 7 p.m. “Don’t worry, it can’t happen to you … Or can it?” Adventure Medics share some of their most interesting rescues.
• 7:30 p.m. “Amazing hikes at your doorstep,” by Judy Roberts, local hiking enthusiast
Thursday, Aug. 25 — Tech-Free Thursday
The idea is to leave the technology behind and be active. Of course, in order to enter the photography contest with this day's activity, participants need a camera — which might be a cellphone.
“We get it, but we encourage you to take your photos and then tuck your phone away. You'll have three additional days to email us your photo. This might be an ideal chance to try out one of the local hikes you learned about on Wednesday at the Arbor Talks,” stated the release.
Friday, Aug. 26 — Healthy Food Friday
This day's theme will be an opportunity to apply the information presented on Wednesday by Arbor Talks. This day also qualifies for the photo contest.
“Be creative, the shot could be of your meal, of the meal preparation, there are many possibilities. We look forward to seeing your creativity,” stated the health group in a news release.
Saturday, Aug. 27 — Joy in the Journey 5K Color Run/Walk, Wellness Expo
Exercise is a great contributor to wellness. The Arbor Health Foundation is getting involved to provide the walk/run participants with the "option of color."
Starting at 9 a.m. at Arbor Health, Morton Hospital, participants will follow the route encircling Morton. Prior to the event, participants will determine if they wish to be "colorized."
Arbor Health Foundation volunteers will be located on the route to blast those who choose with varying colors of corn starch-type substance.
To register, visit MyArborHealth.org/WellnessWeek.
Wellness Expo
The Arbor Health Morton Hospital parking lot will host a wellness expo from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Aug. 27. Exhibitors of a variety of health- or wellness-related displays will be in attendance. Included in the exhibitors will be the Morton Fire Department with a fire-evacuation trailer to teach children how to escape a burning building, home health providers, craft teachers, Adventure Medics with a critical care ambulance, nonprofit groups for community involvement, healthy snacks for purchase and much more.
