Living
Beltonians come out to promote healthiness
Wednesday, 06 June 2012 by Ashley Corn
Runners get ready for the 5K “Let’s Get Physical” run/walk on Saturday. The run was a chance for residents to raise health awareness.More than 200 people woke up bright and early on Saturday to attend the "Let's Get Physical" event at the Harris Community Center in downtown Belton.
Out of those, nearly 65 joined in for the 5k run/ walk.
"We partnered with a few local organizations like Texas AgriLife Extension, Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension Program, Better Living for Texans, and the City of Belton," said Care Improvement Plus Community Outreach Manager Marlene Ritcher. "In putting this event together, we wanted to help improve the lives of Texans through education and fitness. Not only did we want people to be more physically active, but we wanted to ensure the attendees were provided with the tools and resources they need to eat healthy diets and lead healthier lifestyles."
"Let's Get Physical" was targeted to all members of the Belton community young and old with a Zumba demonstration, free farmer's markets, cooking demos, and health screenings on site to help everyone in getting their bodies in top physical conditions.
The free farmer's market offered participants a free choice of three different fruits and vegetables for healthier snack alternatives.
The health screenings included free blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol tests targeted more toward the older population, but was available for everyone.
The cooking demos were presented by the Prairie View A&M University's Cooperative Extension Program, and they made healthy smoothies and snacks.
Members of the Temple Panther Football team attended and stood at various checkpoints throughout the 5K route passing out refreshments and offering words of encouragement and congratulations as the runners and walkers passed them.
"They were very helpful in directing and encouraging the attendees," Ritcher said.
The event was hosted by Care Improvement plus, Texas AgriLife, Prairie View A&M University, an Better Living for Texans and the City of Belton.
If you would like to find out dates for any upcoming events similar to this one, contact Marlene Richter by calling (210) 569-3925 or Brad Mayhar at (210) 598-4185.
