Put those resolutions into action at Health & Fitness Fair

Palmetto Bay residents who made New Year’s resolutions relating to health and fitness issues will have a chance to turn those words into positive actions at the village’s first annual Health & Fitness Fair at Coral Reef Park.

A variety of information providers will participate in the free event that runs from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28, according to Mary Shie Fernandez, village program and events coordinator, who says it’s for the whole family.

“This is an event for grandparents down to young children,” Fernandez said. “There’s something for everybody.” She said that the notion of putting on an all-encompassing event for fitness and health topics was a natural development after many separate programs.

“Throughout the year we hear from different health organizations, non-profit groups and others about various health and fitness issues,” Fernandez said. “We thought it would be a really neat idea to pull all those components together and provide a platform for them so the organizations could get their word out, and at the same time provide a real nice service to our residents.

“I don’t see a lot of people doing that. So we wanted to have all these groups come and set up at Coral Reef Park, and we said let’s make it free for anybody who’s interested.”

And she adds, what better way to do this than right after New Year’s, knowing that all of us go through the same thing with New Year’s resolutions.

“We all think about the positive changes we want to make in the coming year and start the year out with a very optimistic outlook,” Fernandez said. “I don’t think it’s a surprise to anybody that getting in shape is always at the top of people’s list.”

Besides those who want to exercise more to get in better shape, find out their blood pressure or get their blood sugar checked, there are smokers who want to make an effort to quit or people who drink who want to quit.

“In general, people who want to enjoy life more and spend quality time with their family,” Fernandez explained. “I have been reaching out to different organizations and we have received very positive responses so far. Baptist Health provides a lot of the health and fitness programs at our parks — Trim and Fit After 55, Aerobics, Yoga and Tai-Chi. Jackson South Community Hospital definitely wants to be a part of it. We have private companies like boot camps and karate schools that we want to give an opportunity as well.”

Miami-Dade Area Health Education Center wants to provide a free skin cancer screening for Palmetto Bay residents, which perhaps could save a life.

“It’s all about empowering people and giving them knowledge in a comfortable environment,” Fernandez said. “And fitness related sports programs like soccer and baseball can give people information about what they do. We are still looking for organizations to participate.”

Coral Reef Park is located at 7895 SW 152 St.

For more information, contact Mary Fernandez at mfernandez@palmettobayfl.gov or call her office at 305-234-6383.


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