August is National Wellness Month, a designation aimed at inspiring self-care, healthy routines and reduced stress for a more fulfilling life.
Hinsdale and neighboring communities are rich in business and nonprofit organizations offering a full gamut of wellness activities. Check out this issue’s Out & About listing (starting on Page 16) to get information on the tai chi chuan and chi gung morning class on Aug. 10 & 24 at The Community House, 415 W. Eighth St., to improve balance, develop posture and alignments, improve mental equilibrium and more. Also find information on Healthy Living for Brain and Body on Aug. 21 at Hinsdale Public Library for seniors to learn how proper nutrition, exercise, cognitive activity and social engagement can enhance the aging process — with the bonus of a catered lunch!
Enhance your physical and mental well-being from the comfort-of-home Ageless Yoga Zoom from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Fridays starting Aug. 23. The eight-week virtual class is catered to those with limited mobility with easy standing poses and low impact work in a chair. Visit http://www.thecommunityhouse.org.
At Wellness House, 131 N. County Line Road, those on the cancer journey can take advantage of several nutrition programs including Transitioning to a Cancer Fighting Diet at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 10; Bereavement Kitchen at 6:15 p.m. Monday, Aug, 12; and Meatless Mondays at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 19. Visit http://www.wellnesshouse.org.
The Cook County Forest Preserve District invites all levels of yoga students to an indoor class with a certified instructor followed by a self-guided walk from 10 to 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 25, at the Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center, 9800 Willow Springs Road, Willow Springs.
For those looking for mental health support, The Counseling Center at The Community House uses evidence-based therapy techniques that uniquely and effectively serve adult individuals, adolescents and families. Whether the need is brief or long-term counseling, the center’s therapeutic approaches help individuals with a range of issues, including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and more for individuals, families and children.
The National Institutes of Health, at http://www.nih.gov/health-information/physical-wellness-toolkit, advises six strategies to boost one’s wellness:
• Get active
Moving more and sitting less can have major health benefits. Adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week.
• Maintain your muscle
Experts recommend strength training activities for all the major muscle groups two or more days a week for adults and three for kids and teens.
• Find a healthy weight
Keeping your body at a healthy weight may help you lower your risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer.
• Mind your metabolism
You burn fewer calories and break down foods differently as you lose lean muscle while aging. Middle-age spread can quickly become middle-age sprawl.
• Eat a healthy diet
A healthy eating plan not only limits unhealthy foods but also includes a variety of healthy foods.
• Build healthy habits
We know that making healthy choices can help us feel better and live longer. It’s not easy — but it’s worth it in the long run.
