In My Backyard Health and Wellness Program provides physical fitness, nutritional, gardening, and health and wellness education programs from early May through mid September.  Near east side neighbors will be offered a variety of exercise programs, healthy cooking demonstrations, as well as, healthcare professionals’ presentations on preventative healthcare, diabetes management, women’s health and men’s health.  From Tai Chi to Yoga, to light resistance band exercise, cardio exercising to the rhythms of African Drums, neighbors will engage in exercise programs tailored to their level of fitness and interest.  Programs will be offered on Saturday mornings for approximately 1 to 1.5 hours and will be conducted every two weeks (see event calendar for schedule dates and program). This year we will establish a bicycle riding club more information will be available in the coming weeks.

The objectives of this program are the following:

·       To provide health and wellness education as a foundation to adopting and sustaining a healthy lifestyle.
To provide health and wellness resources to residents who may not have access to such programs and information.

·       To promote neighbor to neighbor support of adopting and sustaining healthy lifestyle behaviors.

·       To promote vegetable gardening as a viable means of addressing the adoption of healthy eating.

·       To educate the residents of other health and wellness programs that exists in the area.

Before starting any change of adopting a healthier lifestyle, it is important that you first meet with your primary care physician.  Discuss your current level of fitness, what type of exercise is appropriate to begin with, as well as, the length or duration of such exercise.   If you walk wear comfortable shoes with socks, if you ride a bike make sure the tires are inflated to the proper pressure, that the brakes work well and that the bike is in good overall mechanical condition.  Become your own health expert, pay attention to your body and do not exercise to the state of exhaustion.  Exercise is fun, especially when you see the results with minimum pain or discomfort.  Should you experience prolong and intense pain or discomfort consult with your primary care physician immediately.

The location for In My Backyard Health and Wellness Programs will be held at 1582 East Long Street next to the Martin Luther King Jr. Library.  Plans for expansion are being developed and we will be recruiting neighbors to host a Saturday program.  Anyone interesting in hosting a program should contact Tim Anderson his email address is timanderson@inmybackyardhope.com.   All programs will have a maximum participation of twenty and all programs are free and open to the neighbors and the general public.  Cash donations are accepted, but not expected.      

Since the programs are held outdoors, if rain occurs, the program is considered canceled.  There is little shade in the host backyard; therefore, it is recommended that you wear sun screening lotion and a cap/hat. Dress comfortably for exercising outdoors and bring a bottle of water, a lawn chair, and an exercise mat.  Light refreshments will be provided.