The Astoria Parks and Recreation Department is starting an innovative
health and fitness program in January, the Astoria Wellness Challenge. This
wrap-around program will include fitness classes, nutrition guidance by a registered dietitian,
information sessions about heart health and motivation, as well as a health
screening. Up to 50 participants will compete with each other for prizes for 9
weeks, and in the process everyone will win better health.
"'I will eat better and exercise more' is a pretty typical New Year's
resolution," said Wellness Challenge coordinator Julia Mabry. "This program
helps people stick to those resolutions for more than just a few days. It
empowers them to follow through."
The Challenge starts January 9th and involves many community partners,
including a dietitian, Coastal Family Health Center, the Clatsop Community
College Nursing Program, an exercise physiologist, the Astoria Coop, and various
fitness instructors. They are all lending their expertise to help the community
become healthier.
There is ample data that Clatsop County has a lot of room for improvement
when it comes to preventable illness, such as heart disease and diabetes. The
recent Community Assessment performed by the health department shows that nearly
25% of county residents are obese and 34%have high blood pressure. Poor diet and
lack of physical activity are likely culprits.
"Astoria is a great place to be active," said Angela Cosby, Astoria Parks
and Recreation Director. "And we are excited to introduce people to some of the
options they have here. With all the possibilities, we could be the healthiest
city in Oregon. We should be!"
Cost for the program is $85, with some scholarships available.For more
information about the Wellness Challenge, call the Astoria Parks and Recreation
Department at 503-325-7275 or email parksinfo@astoria.or.us
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