Metro Atlanta Cities Wellbeing Initiative

August 8, 2024 by Leave a comment

The City of Decatur is committed to fostering a community where every resident can thrive. That’s why we were proud to participate in the Metro Atlanta Cities Wellbeing Initiative, alongside other esteemed community leaders.

Participants from the City of Decatur included Mayor Patti Garrett, Clarity Fitness owner Abbey Griffith, Fire Captain Gary Menard, and Parks and Recreation Center Supervisor Jada Jordan. Together, they engaged in impactful discussions aimed at enhancing our understanding of wellbeing and informing policy action through data-driven insights.

Facilitated by ARCHI (Atlanta Regional Collaborative for Health Improvement), GMA (Georgia Municipal Association), and AWP (Athens Wellbeing Project), this initiative provided a platform for city leaders to delve into critical topics related to community wellbeing.

The initiative unfolded over eight months, encompassing various aspects of wellbeing-related issues. The first half focused on didactic sessions led by subject matter experts, covering topics such as stewardship, social determinants of health, health equity, systems thinking, and peer learning.

In the second half, participants applied their learnings to develop policy action plans, guided by the CDC’s policy process. They utilized a wellbeing glossary and metric factsheets developed by MACWI to create these plans, emphasizing data-driven decision-making.

Our participation in the Metro Atlanta Cities Wellbeing Initiative underscores our commitment to leveraging data and collaborative efforts to drive positive change in our community. We believe that by engaging in initiatives like this, we can better understand the needs of our residents and work towards creating a healthier and more vibrant Decatur.

To learn more about the Metro Atlanta Cities Wellbeing Initiative and our involvement, click here and read the full report. Thank you to all our community leaders for their dedication to improving the wellbeing of City of Decatur residents. Together, we can continue to build a community where everyone can thrive. Watch a video about Decatur’s part in the initiative by clicking below or for a full overview of all the cities involved click here.

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Yes, You Can Eat Your Way to a Better Workout

March 11, 2024 by Leave a comment

What you eat before and after you exercise is almost as important as the workout itself. Food is your fuel—it gives you the energy necessary to be active and focused, and it also provides the nutrients required to build muscle and bone strength, as well as help the body recover post workout.

This Monday, plan some meals around your workouts.

What to Eat Before a Workout:

Carbohydrates help prepare the body for exercise, even if it’s something low-impact or low-intensity such as a Monday Mile. Eat foods that have the right nutrient balance to curb hunger and battle fatigue, and avoid foods that might lead to an upset stomach.

Bananas

A great source of quick energy, bananas are 90% carbohydrates. Keep one in your backpack or bag, and you’ll never be without pre-workout fuel. For a pre-workout breakfast, try adding them to this date and banana smoothie.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is a breakfast staple that’s full of fiber, which makes it a great food to eat before exercising. Because it’s a complex carbohydrate, oats release their energy gradually, making it an appropriate choice for longer-length workouts. Oats are also a good source of vitamin B, which helps convert carbohydrates into energy. For a quick recipe idea, make this overnight apple peanut butter oatmeal.

Whole Grain Bread

Another good source of fiber that’s easy on the stomach, whole grain bread provides sustained energy throughout the workout. If you’re looking for a complete pre-workout meal, try adding a spread of hummus or a sliced hard-boiled egg for extra protein.

What to Eat After a Workout:

After a workout, your body needs to heal and rebuild—but this is a good thing! Eating the right nutrients after exercise can help your body speed up this process. The right combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats can help increase muscle growth, decrease muscle protein breakdown, and enhance recovery. Foods high in protein allow the body to build new muscle tissue, while carbohydrate-rich foods are better for refueling after a run or another endurance exercise.

Beans

Beans are inexpensive, nutritious, and an excellent source of protein. Lean proteins, like beans, provide all the muscle-recovery benefits of protein, without the saturated fat of red meats like beef or pork. Recreate the flavor of meatballs using beans with this yummy lentil, mushroom walnut “meatball.”

Quinoa

Although technically a seed, quinoa provides the perfect balance of carbohydrates and proteins. Quinoa is easy to prepare (it’s cooked just like rice), and you can make a big batch to store in the refrigerator for when you need a quick post-workout bite, or you can form it into delicious corn and quinoa mini burgers.

Greek Yogurt

The perfect post-workout breakfast, Greek yogurt is loaded with protein and calcium, which helps the muscle repair and also contributes to bone strength. If the slightly tangy taste of Greek yogurt isn’t your favorite, throw it in a blender with some milk or plant-based milk, fruit, and leafy greens for a quick nutritious meal.

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November Marks the Start of Healthy Lifestyles Month

November 1, 2023 by Leave a comment

In recent times, the challenges to maintaining a healthy lifestyle have increased. As our lives have become more hectic and digital screens more pervasive, the battle against sedentary living and poor nutrition has intensified. That’s why November is so important; it’s Healthy Lifestyles Month, a time to remind ourselves of the significance of a well-rounded, health-focused way of life.

Understanding the Significance of Healthy Lifestyles Month

Healthy Lifestyles Month, celebrated every November, serves as an annual reminder of the importance of taking care of our physical and mental well-being. It’s a time for individuals, communities, and organizations to come together to promote health-conscious choices in daily life. The month-long observance encourages people to reflect on their habits and make positive changes for a healthier future.

Physical Health and Wellness

The pillar of healthy living is, without a doubt, physical fitness. Regular exercise has been scientifically proven to reduce the risk of various diseases, increase life expectancy, and improve overall well-being. In addition, it can be a powerful stress-reliever, boost self-esteem, and enhance mental health. This Healthy Lifestyles Month, consider setting aside time for exercise – join our Wednesday Walkers, every Wednesday at 10 am at the Decatur Rec Center, take a yoga class; Slow Flow Yoga, Deep Stretch Yoga or Intentional Yoga, or by checking out one of our other classes.

Nutrition and a Balanced Diet

A significant aspect of a healthy lifestyle is maintaining a well-balanced diet. Proper nutrition is the foundation of good health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains provides the body with essential nutrients. During Healthy Lifestyles Month, it’s an excellent opportunity to assess your eating habits and make necessary adjustments. Small changes, such as reducing sugary snacks or incorporating more vegetables into your meals, can have a substantial impact on your health. Find fresh fruits and veggies at the Decatur and Oakhurst Farmer’s Markets!

Mental Health and Well-being

Healthy living doesn’t revolve solely around physical health. Mental well-being is equally important. Stress management, relaxation techniques, and emotional well-being are critical components of leading a balanced life. Prioritize self-care and incorporate practices such as meditation, mindfulness, or spending quality time with loved ones into your routine. Try out a Tai Chi class or if you need extra resources reach out to our friends at NAMI Dekalb.

Community and Support

Creating a culture of healthy living within your community can be an empowering experience. Join local groups or engage in community programs that promote wellness. Healthy Lifestyles Month provides an ideal opportunity to start initiatives that encourage your community to embrace healthier habits collectively.

Taking Small Steps Towards a Healthier Lifestyle

Implementing healthy changes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. During Healthy Lifestyles Month, take small steps that can lead to significant results. These may include:

  1. Physical Activity: Aim to engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Whether it’s a morning stroll, an online fitness class, or dancing around your living room, every bit counts.
  2. Nutrition: Gradually incorporate healthier food choices into your diet. Start with a daily serving of fruits or vegetables and then build on it.
  3. Mental Health: Dedicate time for relaxation, meditation, or mindfulness practices. These moments of self-care can help reduce stress and improve your mental well-being.
  4. Community Engagement: Join local fitness or wellness programs, attend health-focused community events, or create a support group to encourage healthy living among friends and neighbors.

Healthy Lifestyles Month in November is a reminder that the journey to better health is an ongoing process. It’s an opportunity to reassess your lifestyle and make positive changes, no matter how small. By embracing healthy living, we can enhance the quality of our lives and inspire those around us to do the same. This November, let’s celebrate Healthy Lifestyles Month by taking steps toward a healthier, happier life.

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Celebrating National Farmers Market Week: Nourishing Communities, Fostering Change

August 9, 2023 by 1 Comment

Happy National Farmers Market Week! This dedicated week offers us the opportunity to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of local food networks – our beloved farmers markets. Did you know that Community Farmers Markets hosts two markets in Decatur?

The Decatur Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday from 4-7pm at the First Baptist Church Decatur on Clairemont (308 Clairemont Ave Decatur, GA 30030), running from March 29 to November 15. Meanwhile, the Oakhurst Farmers Market takes center stage every Saturday from 9am-1pm at Sceptre Brewing Arts in Decatur (630 East Lake Drive, Decatur, GA 30030), operating from January 7 to December 16. The markets match all SNAP purchases with double the money for fruits and vegetables. To learn more about Community Farmers Markets, visit their website at cfmatl.org.    

As we celebrate the 24th annual event from August 6th to 12th, 2023, it’s time to recognize and honor the pivotal role that farmers markets play in shaping our nation’s food system. Serving as vibrant conduits between growers and consumers, these markets are the epicenter of community nourishment and well-being. As we celebrate this special week, we delve into the ways in which farmers markets champion the seven dimensions of well-being, aligning perfectly with NRPA’s vision of Community Wellness Hubs.  

Cultural

  • Farmers markets become cultural melting pots, embracing diversity through multilingual marketing materials and interpreter assistance.
  • An array of culturally diverse foods and products grace market stalls, connecting communities to their roots.  

Economic

  • Farmers markets emerge as launchpads for small businesses and budding entrepreneurs, nurturing their growth and success.
  • The ethos of producer-only markets resonates, funneling financial support back into the local economy.
  • Acceptance of nutrition assistance programs like SNAP, WIC, and EBT matching programs enhances accessibility to fresh, local produce.  

Emotional

  • Vibrant and lively atmospheres at markets are crafted through live music, food trucks, and a channel for feedback, creating safe havens for visitors.
  • Markets evolve into artistic hubs, showcasing talents through artist displays and community art activities.
  • Intergenerational bonds form between producers and customers, nurturing a sense of belonging.  

Environmental

  • Markets step outdoors, reuniting communities with nature and fostering an appreciation for locally sourced sustenance.
  • Vendors champion sustainability by offering reusable packaging from renewable sources.
  • Shoppers become educated about regional foods and their seasonal availability, nurturing a deeper connection with their environment.
  • Environmental awareness thrives through initiatives like composting, and environmental health education.  

Intellectual

  • Farmers markets evolve into classrooms, offering cooking demonstrations, nutrition education, and artisanal workshops.
  • Knowledge transfer between seasoned and novice farmers cultivates a cycle of continuous learning.
  • Local schools contribute to educational programming, introducing STEM activities and interactive demonstrations.  

Physical

  • Lively markets facilitate physical well-being through Zumba, fitness demos, yoga sessions, and invigorating park walks.
  • Shoppers receive a bounty of healthy recipes, complementing the nutrient-rich fresh produce available.
  • Strategic health care partnerships bring wellness resources to the market encouraging healthy choices.  

Social

  • Markets evolve into communal spaces where shoppers gather for shared meals, evening concerts, and entertainment.
  • Walking and running clubs find a home at markets, fostering camaraderie and physical activity.
  • Markets serve as the backdrop for various community events, encouraging visitors to connect with social programs and fellow attendees.  

“Farmers markets grow community,” and parks and recreation is where community grows.

Farmers Markets: Catalysts of Change

Farmers markets are catalysts for transformative change. They reshape our interactions with food, amplify our sense of community, and fuel our drive for sustainability. Across the United States, farmers markets are redefining their role, transcending the boundaries of mere transactional spaces and embracing their identities as community catalysts. These markets thrive through the commitment of dedicated individuals and teams who tirelessly work behind the scenes, weaving connections, fostering partnerships, and curating spaces of nourishment and exchange.  

Championing Equitable Spaces

The evolution of farmers markets also signifies a cultural shift. Efforts are underway to enhance equity within the farmers market landscape, ensuring that these spaces mirror the communities they serve. Market operators and community organizers are steering the course towards inclusivity, striving to create safe, inviting, and accessible havens for all.  

Our Farmers Market Journey

This National Farmers Market Week, we invite you to join us in celebrating the profound impact of farmers markets on our lives and our communities. Let’s reflect on the changes we’ve experienced – from embracing seasonal eating to fostering economic vitality in our neighborhoods. Together, we’re building a future where farmers markets stand not only as hubs of nourishment but also as epicenters of transformation, unity, and well-being.

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Celebrate National Wellness Month with Decatur Parks & Recreation!

August 1, 2023 by Leave a comment

In August, we come together to celebrate National Wellness Month, a time dedicated to prioritizing self-care, managing stress, and promoting healthy routines. It’s a perfect opportunity to create wholesome habits in your lifestyle and focus on self-care to feel like your best self! We all know how life can get busy with work, traffic, family obligations, and other stressors. However, research has shown that practicing self-care helps manage stress and promotes happiness. To lead a happy and healthy life, it is crucial to prioritize wellness and self-care.

Physical Fitness and Activity: Moving Towards Better Health

One of the key pillars of Wellness Month is promoting physical fitness and activity. Engaging in regular exercise not only benefits our physical health but also improves our mental well-being. Whether you love jogging in one of our many parks, attending yoga classes, or playing sports, finding activities that bring you joy can make staying active a delightful experience. At Decatur Parks & Recreation, we offer various fitness classes and open gym activities, like basketball and pickleball, to support your health and well-being. Check out our Playbook to see all our program offerings!

Nutrition: Fueling our Bodies with Nourishing Choices

A balanced diet is essential for maintaining good health, and Wellness Month encourages us to reevaluate our eating habits and make healthier food choices. Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into our meals can provide essential nutrients and support our immune system. At Decatur Parks & Recreation, we collaborate with pre-med Emory students to promote nutrition and healthy eating habits for the community. If you have expertise in cooking or nutrition and would like to teach a class at one of our rec centers, reach out to us at dprd@decaturga.com.

Mental Health: Cultivating Inner Peace and Resilience

Taking care of our mental well-being is equally important as caring for our physical health. During Wellness Month, we encourage practicing mindfulness, meditation, and other stress-reducing techniques. Nurturing our mental health can lead to increased focus, better sleep, and enhanced overall happiness. We offer Yoga and Tai Chi classes to help support you on your journey.

Community Engagement: Building a Supportive Network

Social connections play a vital role in our well-being, and Wellness Month motivates us to connect with our community and build supportive networks. Join us for a 2-3 mile walk every Wednesday morning to connect with your neighbors while getting your steps in. Additionally, you can visit Volunteer! Decatur to actively participate in various community events organized by the City.

Healthy Habits for the Long Run

Remember, investing in our health is an ongoing journey, not a destination. By cultivating healthy habits and incorporating them into our daily lives, we pave the way for a happier, healthier future. As we embrace this month-long celebration of health and well-being, let’s support one another, strive for balance, and make Wellness Month a stepping stone towards a brighter and healthier future. Happy Wellness Month from Decatur Parks & Recreation!

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How to Prepare Your Body for a Workout

July 31, 2023 by Leave a comment

Are you looking to start or return to a normal exercise routine? By making the decision to be more physically active, you’ve already taken the first step towards a healthier you. But in order to establish a consistent exercise schedule, you need to prepare your body.Thankfully, preparing for physical activity is pretty simple; you just need to focus on a few specific areas. By putting in a little time beforehand, you’ll reduce your risk of injury and get the most out of your workout. This Monday, learn all you need to know about readying your body and mind for exercise. 

Stay Hydrated by Drinking Water

The human body depends on water to help get rid of wastes, regulate temperature, keep joints healthy, and protect sensitive tissues. Being dehydrated will make you feel tired and drained of energy—not exactly how you want to feel before a workout.So how much water should you drink? Well, that depends on your body size, the weather, and the duration/intensity of exercise. Feeling thirsty is a clear sign of dehydration, but you can also check the color of your urine: pale or clear urine is an indication that you’re well hydrated, while a dark yellow color is a sign that you should drink more water. 

Power Your Workout with Proper Nutrition

What you eat before and after you exercise is almost as important as the workout itself. Food is your fuel—it gives you the energy necessary to be active and focused, and it also provides the nutrients required to build muscle and bone strength, as well as help the body recover post workout.Before exercising, try to stick with eating carbohydrates that won’t upset the stomach, such as bananas, oatmeal, or whole grain bread. For a post-workout meal, eat a combination of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Foods high in protein allow the body to build new muscle tissue, while carbohydrate-rich foods are better for after a run or another endurance exercise. Refuel your body with foods like beans, quinoa, or Greek yogurt. 

Warm Up and Cool Down

Starting physical activity with a warmup and concluding it with a cooldown can help you improve the quality of your workout. A warmup raises your body temperature and increases blood flow to the muscles. This improves the stretchiness of the muscle tissue and can help reduce muscle tightness, pain, and risk of injury. Although there’s no strict definition for what constitutes a “warmup,” the basic idea is doing an activity or exercise at a slower pace (stretching, using lighter weights) to help prepare the body for more intense movement.After moderate physical activity, a 10-minute cooldown allows body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure to return to their normal levels. Cooldown exercises, like stretching, walking, foam rolling, and deep breathing, can help lower your risk of injury and reduce stress to the heart and other muscles. 

Stretch for Success

Stretching is more than just a warmup. By improving your flexibility through stretching, you are effectively lowering your risk of injury and pain, broadening range motion, improving posture, and bettering body control and stability. And most importantly, being more flexible makes every-day activities easier: from getting out of bed to walking up stairs to reaching a high cabinet.Stretching seems simple—and it is—but there are some general guidelines to follow to help you avoid injury. First, warm up with a few minutes of brisk walking. When starting a stretch, always moves gently and smoothly into position, stopping when you feel any sort of sharp pain. Initially, you’ll want to hold stretches for between 10 and 20 seconds, but as you get more comfortable, you can extend the hold time for as long as 30 seconds. Don’t know where to start? Check out our list of beginner stretches and stretching tips.Make this Monday your day to get active. For more information on how you can prepare yourself for exercise, click here.

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March is Nutrition Month: What to eat before and after workouts

March 1, 2021 by Leave a comment

From our friends at MondayCampaigns.org:

What you eat before and after you exercise is almost as important as the workout itself. Food is your fuel—it gives you the energy necessary to be active and focused, and it also provides the nutrients required to build muscle and bone strength, as well as help the body recover post workout.

This Monday, in honor of Nutrition Month, plan some meals around your workouts.

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Today is World Coconut Day

September 2, 2020 by Leave a comment

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From NationalToday.com:

You can’t make a piña colada or a decent Thai curry without it, its water makes a great recovery drink, and its fibrous husk, when burned, repels mosquitos — these are just three of many excellent reasons to celebrate World Coconut Day on September 2.

One of nature’s most versatile products, the coconut plant (and its various parts) can be used for food and drink, cosmetic preparations, and decorating. Some coconut proponents (cocoproponents?) even claim that the fruit’s oil can reverse dental decay — if you swish it around in your mouth for 20 minutes a day! Most of us aren’t comfortable with a mouthful of oil, no matter whence that oil comes or what it’s purported to do. But we can still get caught up in the coconut craze.

Whether you’re stuck on a deserted island or comfortable in your own home, here are some (relatively normal) ideas for using this tropical wonderfruit.

Try making one of these desserts that feature coconut.

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Move It Monday: Eat Healthy for a Better Workout

March 4, 2019 by Leave a comment

move it monday

From our friends at Move It Monday:

When you’re getting ready for your next workout, remember that you’ll need to fuel up before and after you get moving. The right foods will help you get the most out of any exercise you choose to do and help your body recover when it’s over. This Monday, make sure your grocery list includes nutritious foods that will do your body good!

Even if you stick to low-impact exercise, eating the right kind of nutritious foods will help optimize your workout and get you in shape to come back for more. When it comes to fitness, think carbs! Carbohydrates are the key to fueling your workouts and helping you recover later. As a pre-workout food, reach for fruits and vegetables or whole grains. Save protein for after your workout since it digests more slowly and might slow you down.

One thing to do before, during, and after your workout is hydrate. The best choice is always water! You can also blend your water with fruit juice to give it a boost of natural carbohydrates. It’s always a good idea to stay hydrated, even if you don’t break a sweat.

If you do engage in exercise that is more high-impact, pay closer attention to the foods you eat as well as staying hydrated. Vigorous activity will make you sweat and you’ll have to replace the water you lose. Increase your usual water intake and eat hydrating fruits and vegetables like watermelon, celery, cucumbers, and strawberries. One excellent option post-workout is milk, which not only provides the benefits of hydration but also contains protein to repair your muscles.

Starting a healthy diet and regular exercise this Monday will not only benefit your physical health, they can provide the energy that you need to power through your busiest days!

For more information visit moveitmonday.org.

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Nutrition Month: Eat Locally for Better Health and a Better Planet

March 15, 2017 by Leave a comment

eat-local-environmentally-friendly-eating                 Photo from 3.bp.blogspot

Have you been making an effort to “eat locally?” Lots of people are! Growing your own food or buying it from local farmers is good for you and the environment. Eating locally helps reduce greenhouse gasses created through mass production and distribution of food. It also helps you to eat fruits and vegetables that are in season, which taste better and can expand the variety of produce you eat. Here’s how you can make changes that will benefit your health and the planet:

  • Join a CSA program. Community supported agriculture (CSA) allows you to buy a share from a nearby farm. CSA subscribers receive a weekly box of freshly-picked produce for a set fee. There are many farms that deliver food to locations right in Decatur. Visit localharvest.org/csa to find a location near you.
  • Have a green thumb? Grow fruits and vegetables in your own backyard. If you don’t have the outdoor space, take advantage of the many community gardens in Decatur that you can rent for a small fee.
  • Shop at local farmers markets. The Decatur Farmers Market operates year-round and only sells produce grown within 100 miles of Decatur. There is even a dietitian on-site to give you cooking ideas and tell you more about the participating farms. Visit cfmatl.org/decatur for hours and a list of vendors.

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