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COLUMBUS–The YMCA recently launched a monthly series of Healthy Living speaking events. The series is free and open to the public. 

The goal of the series is to provide information on how to achieve a healthy lifestyle and will address areas of mental, physical and spiritual health with guest speakers from the local area. All speaking events will be held at the Polk County Library, located at 1289 W. Mills Street in Columbus, in the Community Room.

“We are excited to give back to the community in Polk County with these Healthy Living Series talks,” said Atticus Fehl, District Executive Director at the YMCA.

The following events are planned for the summer:

 

• Family Forest Fun, Saturday, June 17, 1-2 p.m. – This Nature Talk and nature hike will be hosted by Polk County Recreation Department Recreation Coordinator Laura Baird. Laura will give a nature talk and then get attendees out in the fresh air for a short hike. Both adults and children are welcome! In addition, attendees can bring plants/cuttings to participate in a plant swap.
• Foundations of Physical and Mental Wellness, Tuesday, July 11, 5:30-7 p.m. – This talk by Dr. Nena Butterfield from Pavillon Substance Use Treatment Center will provide an overview of choices that people can make in their practical daily lives to improve physical health, which in turn sets the stage for optimal mental health. The presentation will address basic principles of nutrition, sleep, hygiene and exercise. Promoting physical health allows us to build on our mental health by improving communication, addressing emotion regulation, and preventing unhealthy coping skills. The presentation will also review exercises and activities that are easy to integrate into daily living to improve mental health.
• Summer Sneaky Smoothies, Tuesday, August 8, 5:30-7 p.m. –  Join the YMCA for a fun summer adventure in making smoothies that are not only delicious but nutritious.  Get in those extra vitamins in a drink that is hydrating and refreshing for the summer.  Kristi Phillips and Rebecca Elson from Juice Plus will share their experience and expertise.
• Improve Your Diet for Long-Term Health Benefits, Thursday, September 7, 6–7 p.m. – Dr. Amber Passini from Biogenesis Medical and Wellness Center in Landrum will give insights and information on improving your health by making simple changes to your diet today that can have long-term effects on your overall health.

 

Submitted by Atticus Fehl