April 15, 2007
Apparently, the bitter coldness of winter is fading away. Warmer weather is near. Soon, outdoor activities will again begin to come out of their hibernation.
In Bethel, there are plenty of opportunities for physical activity that have been going on and others that will soon begin. In the villages, plans are being made to create an eruption of physical activity events never seen before.
With confidence, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta is being restored to the physically active region it was so long ago.
However, this eruption of physical activity cannot depend solely on the great people that install the events. The community members must arise to the opportunities placed before them.
All community members are encouraged to attend to the events, take the initiative to participate in their community and demonstrate healthy lifestyle behaviors to the younger generations. A positive future health for the children requires that adult community members engage in positive lifestyle behaviors.
Below is a list of physical activity events in Bethel. St. Mary's, Toksook Bay, and Mekoryuk are planning future events as well, such as daily walks, exercise classes, and weekly luncheons that offer heart healthy foods.
This list of villages does not have to include so few. Every village can demonstrate this grand movement. All community members of all villages are encouraged to establish physical activity events within their community. Everyone can be a leader. Even YOU!
For help in establishing community events, call Ben Marx at 543-6904 or email him at benjamin_marx@ykhc.org. As the case manager for Healthy Hearts and as an exercise physiologist, he is glad to help anyone choosing to better their lives with physical activity.
Show the children how to be healthy.Establish a physical activity in YOUR community!
Bethel Fun Run and Walk
Saturday, April 21
9:30 a.m. check-in
10 a.m. race
at Cultural Center. FREE. Call Ben at
543-6904 or Anne at 543-6867 for more info.
Ballroom Dancing
Either Wednesdays (Latin styles, such as salsa, cha-cha-cha, rumba) or Saturdays (Smooth styles, such as foxtrot, tango, waltz, swing) or take both. 7:30-9 p.m. Sign-up and fee required. Call Chester Mark at 543-2999 for more details.
Bethel Orienteering--NEW!
Saturday April 14 and April 28, 3 p.m at the Cultural Center. With a map in hand, walk to various Bethel sites, collecting evidence of your arrival at each site and turn them in for a treat at the end. Easy map, easy fun; find out which town is number one! FREE. Call Ben at 543-6904 to register your name.
Bethel Youth Center Gym
Monday, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Saturday 12 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Cost is $50/month or $3/day. For ages 15 and up. Call 543-2088 for more info.
Circuit Training
Combination of cardio, strength, and flexibility stations. Tuesdays 6-7 p.m. at the Covenant Church. FREE. All levels are welcome. Email Alyssa Perry at alyssastrom@hotmail.com for more info.
Curves of Bethel
Fun, fast, safe workout! Call for your appointment 543-2995.
Open Gym Basketball
Held Monday and Thursday nights at the Armory.
Women 6:30-8 p.m., $2. Men 8-10 p.m., $3. Contact Bev Hoffman at 543-3239 for more info. All proceeds are donated to the Lifesaver swimming pool fund.
Pilates
Saturdays 8-9 a.m. at the Covenant Church. Bring a mat or towel. FREE. All levels are welcome. Email Alyssa Perry at alyssastrom@hotmail.com for more info.
Yoga with Anne
Fridays at 7 p.m. at the Log Cabin. Some mats are available--bring your own if you have one. FREE. Call Anne at 543-6867 for more info.
For more information on Healthy Hearts, call Ben Marx at 1-800-478-4471 ext. 6904 or 543-6904.