Events part of Spring into Summer
Polk Fit, Fresh and Friendly has a day of healthy events planned tomorrow, called “Spring into Summer,” aimed at helping local residents prepare for a healthy summer.
Mary Smith, coordinator for Polk Fit, Fresh and Friendly, told the Polk County Board of Commissioners Monday, May 21 the board is a coalition set up to promote wellness in Polk County. At that meeting, commissioners approved a proclamation recognizing Saturday, June 2 as National Trails Day in Polk County.
The Spring into Summer events include hikes of seven trails in the county. Hosts will greet hikers at the following trailheads from 9 a.m. to noon:
• The Tom Raymond Trail located behind St. Luke’s Hospital in Columbus
• The Polk County Recreation Complex Trail located off Wolverine Trail in Mill Spring
• The Polk Central Elementary School nature trail located at the school off Hwy. 9 in Mill Spring
• The Donald Ross Trail located across from Ingles on Hwy. 9 South near Lake Lure
• The Norman Wilder Forest Trail located off Hwy. 176 between Tryon and Saluda
• The Vaughn Creek Greenway located near Ziglar Field off East Howard Street in Tryon.
The hosts at the trailheads will offer hikers a map recently created by Polk Fit, Fresh and Friendly that shows 32 walking paths, playgrounds and hiking trails in Polk County, Landrum and Lake Lure.
The information on the map says experts recommend a minimum of 30 minutes per day of brisk walking at least five days per week. It lists the following health benefits of walking:
• Improves efficiency of heart and lungs
• Burns body fat
• Raises metabolism so calories are burned faster
• Helps control appetite
• Increases energy
• Helps relieve stress
• Elevates mood; helps prevent or reduce depression
• Slows aging
• Reduces levels of blood cholesterol
• Lowers blood pressure
• Strengthens bones and reduce bone density loss in older women
• Reduces stiffness in joints due to inactivity or arthritis
Other activities in the county on June 2 include a health fair at St. Luke’s Hospital from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. A children’s fair located behind the hospital will include a firehouse provided by the Sunny View Fire and Rescue Department, various health screenings and educational material and an ambulance on display.
The Polk County Recreation Department will also open Gibson Pool Saturday, June 2, with a free pool party and cookout from 4 to 6 p.m.
The day will begin with the farmer’s market at 8 a.m. in front of the Polk County Courthouse in Columbus, with the market extended until 2 p.m. From noon to 2 p.m. the Polk County Cooperative Extension will provide live food demonstrations. Vouchers for discounts at the farmers market can be picked up from the health fair or nature hikes.
Smith said part of Polk Fit, Fresh and Friendly is to promote healthy, fresh and local food.
“We’re building a good healthy base here in Polk County for people to eat healthy,” Smith told commissioners.
For more information on Polk Fit, Fresh and Friendly visit www.polkfitfreshanddriendly.org.
For more information about Saturday’s events, call 828-925-0140.

 

Preparation checklist
for outdoor activity
• Wear shoes that are comfortable and provide support. Consider water shoes or sandals for creek and river crossing.
• Dress for the weather and be prepared for weather changes.
• Wear clothing that protects you from strong sun. Consider a wide-brimmed hat and don’t forget the sunscreen.
• Insect repellant is helpful during buggy months and when walking in damp and/or wooded areas.
• Take a water bottle with you. Hydration is important regardless of the season.
• For longer walks and hikes, take along some healthy snacks- just in case.
• When possible, walk or hike with a buddy and always be alert and aware of your surroundings.
Source: Polk Fit, Fresh and Friendly Polk County Area Walking Paths, Hiking Trails and Playgrounds brochure