Being a volunteer on the River Edge Volunteer Ambulance Service https://www.facebook.com/RiverEdgeEMS offers a wonderful opportunity to serve the River Edge Community. This type of community outreach offers help in times of need for River Edge Residents and neighboring towns. However, what about services that residents want to participate in, where health and wellness are addressed? Why not access the wealth of expertise among residents to improve the quality of life in your town?
Luckily for River Edge, our Mayor, Sandy Moscaritolo and Councilwoman Kathleen Murphy are great supporters and willing participants in a health and wellness campaign. Sponsored by the State of New Jersey, the Mayor's Wellness Campaign strives to "equip mayors and other key leaders with the tools to develop and implement active-living initiatives in their communities with the ultimate goal of improving health and reducing the healthcare costs." Read more about the State Wellness Campaign here: http://www.mayorswellnesscampaign.org/
I've always been an advocate in my nursing career, for improving the quality of life of people with chronic illness. There is always something that people can do to move towards healthier living, regardless of their state of health. Of value, is to try to come up with basic solutions for lifestyle challenges. This aligns very nicely with efforts to improve health with wellness programs like the Mayor's Wellness Campaign.
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I remember clearly, as a community health nurse, when the hot summers resulted in dehydrated patients that I visited in their homes, the simple suggestion of eating watermelon (full of very tasty fluid) was always welcomed rather than the suggestion to drink 8 glasses of water a day, something that most of my patients wouldn't do! Suggestions such as joining a group that walks their dog together http://riveredgewellnessprogram.blogspot.com/p/pack-walk-with-your-dog.html or losing weight with others who are in the same predicament http://riveredgewellnessprogram.blogspot.com/p/biggest-loser-competition.html or spending your Friday night participating in a FitClub http://riveredgewellnessprogram.blogspot.com/p/friday-night-fit-club.html are examples of ways to engage the community. As someone, who turns to food when stressed, weight loss programs, supported by my friends have always helped me to achieve my goals. A friendly supportive, fun-filled promise is all that is needed in addition to experts who can deliver on the intended goal.
Have a suggestions? Why not reach out and let me know what you think would work! Email me at nvanmeines@gmail.com. Or volunteer your time and expertise. We need your help to build a vibrant and effective Program.
