Get Healthy: July is a great month to form new, active habits

This column appears in the Nevada Appeal’s Wednesday health pages. It addresses topics related to the health of our community.

July is Parks and Recreation Month, and there’s no better time to get out and join fellow Carson City residents to take advantage of the outstanding parks and recreation opportunities that our city has to offer.

Ann Bollinger, natural resource specialist, highlighted some events taking place.

“This month, some activities that usually carry a nominal fee are being offered for free to encourage people to get out and take part,” she said.

Classes such as Zumba, yoga and tai chi are open to everyone, from those looking to adopt a healthy lifestyle to those who have years of experience.

The main focus for the month is to raise awareness of resources that are available, often for free. Miles of paths and trails, playgrounds and open space are open to the public.

“We just want to encourage families and people of all ages to walk on our trails, play in our parks, and use our facilities. We are anxious to promote what we have and share that with the community,” said Roger Moellendorf, Parks and Recreation director.

According to the National Recreation and Park Association, the scientific evidence is mounting that parks and recreation are building healthier communities. U.S. Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention validate that parks and recreation are a critical solution for our nation’s health epidemic.

Carson City Parks and Recreation has been a great partner of Carson City Health and Human Services to encourage our community to take part in fun, healthy activities. In 2012, the two agencies teamed up to install “Please Don’t Smoke Here” signs in 17 area parks, which produced a decrease in the number of smokers. Also in 2012, CCHHS and CCPR teamed up to put on the Family Bike Festival at Riverview, where families could ride around the park, and helmets were distributed to young people. This spring, the collaboration continued, with the National Public Health Month Trail to Good Health on the Freeway Multi-Use Path. Both agencies look forward to working together even more in the future.

Visit the Carson City Parks and Recreation Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CCPRDept to see a calendar of all the events this month, and while you’re there, tell us why you love your parks and recreation!

For more information about other Health Department services, check out our website at www.gethealthy carsoncity.org or visit us at www.facebook.com/cchhs.