Does your community need a health and wellness program to assist neighbors with losing weight, meeting exercise needs, or getting healthier as a whole? The National Institute of Health says that children need to play or exercise at least an hour every day where adults can get away with half of that time. Parents and children can get out and get moving by joining one of the four community programs for improving the health of the neighborhood and the family.
Stepping Programs
One program initiated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, took three years to implement, but motivational signs and encouragement are put around the city near elevators asking people to consider taking the steps instead. The government program put safety measures in place like extra tread, carpet, or non-slip treatments on stair risers to reduce the risk of falls for participants. One way that community participation is encouraged is by putting trivia questions at the top of the landings with the answer at the bottom, or vice versa.
Walking
The CDC says that programs like the Neighbor Walk in Boston, MA create groups in each neighborhood that residents can join. Attendees walk together and spur each other to participate regularly, socialize, and create a pattern of wellness with health workshops and weekly walks averaging more than two miles each time. Walking works the entire body, including the core, so it is the simplest exercise that is effective and free.
Yoga
To support the mind, body, and soul, some community members prefer to participate in meditation, relaxation, and yoga. These activities are often in the form of classes in beautiful locations where participants can enjoy the morning sunrise while working out. Some companies, like California Family Fitness, know that yoga promotes better balance, agility, and stress-relief. Many people use yoga to meditate or reduce the effects of hard work and busy lifestyles. Yoga can lower blood pressure and create a path to less anxiety and depression for some participants.
Strength Training
These workouts are diverse and easy to set-up in the community. Residents can meet at local parks and recreational areas to perform push-ups, chin-ups, and lift weights to increase muscle mass and build strength. These activities improve community health making it possible for neighbors to create challenges and goals to exceed during friendly competitions and program completion.
Making communities healthy is all about getting people moving. Using motivational sayings, creating competitions, and inspiring achievement help people bond and become healthier versions of themselves. The government offers several tips for forming these groups and keeping communities healthy on the CDC website.