by Andree Niswander
Reporter
Hudson -- Health and safety will be the focus at the inaugural "Living the Good Life" wellness fair Nov. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the East Woods Elementary School commons area.
Hosted by the Hudson Parent Teacher Association, the free event was planned in conjunction with the national PTA's Healthy Lifestyles Month.
Through their first ever wellness fair, local organizers hope to demonstrate that healthy living can be fun, according to Hudson PTA President Liz Dawson.
"Our ... health, wellness and safety fair supports this initiative by providing a broad range of fun activities, information and resources to inform parents, children, educators and the community about how families can adopt healthy habits together," said Dawson.
Event sponsors include Akron Children's Hospital, Dairymens, Avenues of Counseling and Mediation, Body by Grace, Coalition for Children's Mental Health, Gordon Foods, General Mills, Cosco, Great Lakes Baking Co., Hudson Preschool Parents, LifeCenter Plus, Novonor Disk, and Yoga by Larry Terkel.
To get event attendees moving, the Radio Disney Road Crew with "DJ Jag" (AM 1260) will provide music, dance and movement activities.
Part of Disney's national "Move It!" incentive, the Disney crew's visit will feature program activities developed to inspire children to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle, according to the Radio Disney Web site.
"We're really hoping the Radio Disney visit will be our draw," said Dr. Sarah Adams, PTA health, wellness and safety chairman.
The fair also will feature more than 20 exhibitors lining the commons area with health, wellness and safety-related information. All participating organizations are volunteering their time and donating free products, to bring the event to the community at no charge, said Adams.
Fitness class demonstrations from local instructors and businesses will include "Fun with Fitness" as well as yoga and step exercise demonstrations.
"People will have to come prepared to get movin'," said Dawson.
Body fuel, stress management, relaxation techniques and whole health issues will be among the topics covered by event guest speakers.
Since the PTA is an advocacy organization for the schools, children and the community, said Adams, "we decided to do this to promote information on healthy and safe lifestyles, and to increase the awareness ... about organizations that are available to achieve that goal."
For the health-minded and hungry attendees, healthy food samples and refreshments will be provided by area vendors, including General Mills, Dairymens, Great Lakes Baking Co., Cosco and Heinen's.
Blood pressure and body mass index health screenings will be offered.
In addition to games and prizes, children will be able to meet "Calci the Cow," have their photos taken with a "Got Milk" mustache, and stop by the Hudson Fire Department's "Safety Town."
For more information, call 330-554-2137.
E-mail: aniswander@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-686-3947