Wednesday, April 24, 2024 | St. Lawrence County, NY
POTSDAM – Several local school districts in St. Lawrence County are offering community residents access to their facilities for physical activity, such as hallway walking and open swims. The Health …
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POTSDAM – Several local school districts in St. Lawrence County are offering community residents access to their facilities for physical activity, such as hallway walking and open swims.
The Health Initiative says access to these facilities can help decrease the barriers some community members face when it comes to being active.
Regular physical activity can significantly decrease the rate of overweight and obesity in adults and children, according to the Health Initiative.
Obesity is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, certain types of cancer, diabetes, and kidney disease. When people reduce their risk of becoming overweight or obese, they also reduce their chances of developing these conditions associated with obesity.
Being active year-round in St. Lawrence County can be difficult due to the harsh winter conditions. But now people have a chance to look to a local school because many offer community residents access to indoor fitness facilities.
As for the districts that do not have such facilities, they may allow community members to walk in the halls after school hours or offer low or no cost exercise classes or athletic leagues, then Health Initiative says.
The use of school facilities can help increase physical and social activity within the community, promoting social connectedness among neighbors, while also improving the health of residents.
Many St. Lawrence County schools offer community access to their facilities, so it could be worth it to check with your local school district.
This reminder about access to physical activity opportunities is comes from A Bridge to Wellness, St. Lawrence County’s health improvement plan, which is guided by a partnership of the Health Initiative, St. Lawrence County Public Health Department, Hospice and Palliative Care of St. Lawrence Valley, Community Health Center of the North Country, county hospitals, and other health care and human services providers.
More information about A Bridge to Wellness is available at 315-261-4760 or http://abridgetowellness.org/.
