Healthy Communities Partnership will have athletic trainers on the HOPE Mobile in May

[May 06, 2009]  In its effort to continue educating the public about wellness issues this year, Healthy Communities Partnership will have athletic trainers on board the HOPE Mobile during five dates in May, in honor of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month.

"We want the people of all ages to know that general conditioning -- aerobics and strength training -- can impact heart health, improve circulation and lower blood pressure," says Todd Mourning, manager of rehabilitation services at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital. "Additionally, strength training can improve bone health and help prevent osteoporosis."

One of ALMH's athletic trainers will be on the HOPE Mobile at the following times to provide information and tips on exercising:

• May 12, 9-11:30 a.m., in Chestnut

• May 13, 1-3:30 p.m., in Atlanta

• May 19, 1-3:30 p.m., in Mount Pulaski

• May 21, 9-11:30 a.m., in Elkhart

• May 27, 9-11:30 a.m., in New Holland

Besides affecting heart health, exercise is one of the best ways to reduce the risk of obesity over a lifetime.

The National Association for Sport and Physical Education says, "Our children's lack of physical activity is a national crisis because physically inactive, overweight children grow up to become physically inactive, obese adults."  

During May, NASPE is urging parents and schools to help children explore a wide variety of physical activities to determine what they like and then encourage them to participate in those activities on a regular basis. The theme for National Physical Education and Sport Week is "Be Active Your Way."  

NASPE has a physical activity brochure called "101 Tips for Family Fitness Fun." To receive a free copy of the brochure, send a stamped, self-addressed legal size (No. 10) envelope to: National Association for Sport and Physical Education, 1900 Association Drive, Reston, VA 20191. 

Find out more about "Be Active Your Way" at www.fitness.gov. Adults can learn more about their own fitness level by taking the adult fitness test at www.adultfitnesstest.org.

"It's never too late to start exercising," Mourning adds. "At any age or any physical level, you can start. But starting in a safe and appropriate manner is extremely important. Get checked out by your physician before starting an exercise program, and start slow."

ALMH offers an adult low-impact beginners' exercise class on Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. Call 732-5065 for more information.

The HOPE Mobile is a component of the Healthy Communities Partnership, a collaborative organization comprised of dozens of community agencies. It is supported in part by the Abraham Lincoln Healthcare Foundation.

[Text from file received from Healthy Communities Partnership]