WHITTIER STREET HEALTH CENTER nsive. Compassionate. Community im NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH -by Devon Brownlee, MS, RD, LDN- 30 Minutes of Exercise Can Change Your Life! March is National Nutrition Month! This is a month full of education and increased awareness started by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to encourage healthy eating and physical activity. Rather than promoting a select theme this year, the Academy is encouraging greater flexibility in communicating healthful messages. For this month, National Nutrition Month will be honored as its own theme focusing on its original purpose to 'increase the public's awareness of the importance of good nutrition As part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, regular physical activity along with a healthy diet is necessary for sustainable weight management and optimal wellbeing. By participating in 30 minutes of exercise daily for adults and 60 minutes for children, you can help prevent your risk for chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and stroke which are deemed the three leading health-related causes of death. Daily exercise provides additional benefits such as restful sleep, promotes strong bone, muscle, and joint health, improved energy and self-esteem, as well as longer-life among many others. While increased physical activity is important for overall health, it can be challenging to get outside and move more in the cold winter months. Listed below are some fun ideas for you and your family to try at home Our fitness Center here at the Whittier Street Health Center has fun group classes such as Zoomba or Yoga. It's open to both patients and community members and offers cardiovascular equipment as well as ights for individual training and holds group fitness classes. This i also a great way to meet other families! OR, bundle up to play in the snow for 30 minutes or build a snow man Try a workout class at home, visit YouTube for easy ideas such as yoga classes, body-weight training, or dance routines. Try one or more of these ideas this week with your family, or brainstorm your own! Check out the fitness center here at the Whittier Street Health Center for some extra encouragement. We welcome all ages and abilities to join in on the fun! Our fitness coach is happy to answer any questions you may have to help you and your family get moving. Whittier Street Health Center 1290 Tremont St. Whittier @ Quincy Commons 282 Blue Hill Ave. Roxbury, MA 02120 Roxbury, MA 02120 T: 617-427-1000 T: 617-585-2550