Healthy Choices
Summer 07
have those conversations about their health. Talking about
health concerns and taking action to improve your health is
a great thing and should be normalized, so conversations can
happen and men can learn more about how to take care of
themselves. We all want the great men in our lives around as
long as possible!
July
July is National Park and Recreation Month, and what
better place to celebrate it than in beautiful Clearwater! This
year’s theme is “A Lifetime of Discovery.” At any age, we can
be in that discovery mode and get excited about the little
things in life: the feel of a cool pool on a hot, summer day,
a bird singing in a park or the excitement of sliding down a
slide at your favorite playground. No matter your age, the
city offers a plethora of programs, activities and amazing life
experiences at our recreation centers and through the green
spaces, parks and playgrounds that the city oversees.
Did you know that living in areas with ample access to green
space and parks can help prolong your life? Research out of
the Harvard School of Public Health through the Nurse’s
Health Study found lower rates of kidney disease, respiratory
disease and cancer in women who lived in more
“green” areas. Some of
the factors include
that outdoor areas
to recreate improve
mental health, and offer
opportunities for social
engagement and
physical activity.
Our city pools provide top notch swim lessons at affordable
prices. Florida has the highest rate of drownings in the
nation, and Clearwater wants to help ensure that all children
in this area have the survival skills to help them get to
safety and that all parents, grandparents and caregivers
are supported and educated on preventing childhood
drownings.
August
It’s back to school time! While this may not be relevant to all
of you, do you remember those feelings as a student? There
was some excitement as you laid out your new clothes and
supplies and looked forward to a new start. Mixed with the
excitement was probably also some stress and apprehension.
Am I going to like my new teacher? Will I make new
friends? What if the work is hard? Are people going to make
fun of me?
Whether or not it’s the start of school, a new job or a new
social experience, a lot of us continue to feel the mix of
emotions. Fresh starts can be very exciting, and yet there is
also uncertainty and fear of the unknown. While that may
subside some with age, experience and wisdom, it is normal
to feel nervous about new opportunities and experiences.
The important thing is that we don’t let fear, apprehension
or feelings of inadequacy hinder our growth and ability to
get outside of our comfort zone and go for it. Imagine where
you would be and what you would miss if you allowed
insecurities to keep you in the status quo.
This dilemma can happen with our well-being, whether it’s
fear of discussing something concerning with our doctor or
going for that screening that we fear will find something.
It could be avoiding the social at the recreation center
because you don’t know anyone there, or the new fitness
class because you don’t want to be embarrassed. Don’t let
those things stop you from achieving your healthiest self:
physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. The city
recreation centers, sports leagues and numerous special
events offer the opportunity to try something new and
different, and our libraries continue to add new creative
outlets, including MakerSpace studios. Get out there,
and try something new! You will enjoy it, and it will
be good for your heart and soul.