Saturday, January 12, 2019

Many of us face a New Year with the same resolution: get healthier. Fortunately, Fond du Lac has abundant resources to help. A dozen organizations are getting together to host a Healthy Living Expo from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, January 12, at the Fond du Lac Public Library. The expo is free; no registration required.

Expo groups will be offering loads of information, contacts and helpful advice; they are: Agnesian HealthCare, Fond du Lac YMCA, Tobacco Free Living Fond du Lac, Fond du Lac Senior Center, Shut Up and Dance, National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI), Fond du Lac Aging and Disability Resource Center, UW-Extension Fond du Lac County, Fond du Lac County Health Dept., Oshkosh Counseling Wellness Center, Mary Rosenbaum yoga and Attitude Sports.

The expo will feature booths, gift basket drawings and free programs/demonstrations, including:

  • 11 a.m.: Chair yoga demonstration by Mary Rosenbaum. Seated and standing poses that improve range of motion and balance. Rosenbaum teaches at the YMCA and The Twisted Warrior in Fond du Lac.
  • Noon: Partner dance demonstration by Julie Wilson and students from Shut Up and Dance. Dancing works the cardiovascular system and improves flexibility, strength, balance and endurance. Wilson says dancing benefits mental and emotional health, “It’s like two swords sharpening one another: the body helps the mind work, and the mind takes care of the body.”
  • 12:30 p.m.: NAMI presentation. NAMI of Fond du Lac will explain that most people diagnosed with a serious mental illness can experience relief from their symptoms by participating in an individual treatment plan. NAMI promises hope, help and recovery.

Booth information will include:

  • Agnesian HealthCare: Chiropractic care, cardiology services and care management.
  • Tobacco Free Living Fond du Lac: New products and new concerns for youth prevention. Quit information. Resources on secondhand smoke.
  • Oshkosh Counseling Wellness Center: Traditional mental health talk therapy, art and play therapy, neuro biofeedback, nutrition and wellness consultation and homeopathic treatments and supplements.
  • NAMI: Information on the organization’s work to empower persons affected by mental illness and reduce stigma through support, education and outreach.
  • UW-Extension FDL County: Information on educational programs that aim to build stronger communities; food safety, security and health; resilient and productive environments; and thriving youth, families and communities.
  • FDL Aging and Disability Resource Center: Healthy living classes and interventions to promote the opportunity for people to stay in their own homes longer, including classes such as Healthy Living with Diabetes, Stepping On Falls prevention and Music and Memory.
  • FDL YMCA: Healthy living initiatives such as Livestrong, Cardiac Rehab, Diabetes Prevention and the Healthy Living Program; and youth development programs such as swim lessons, youth sports, gymnastics and youth in government.
  • FDL Senior Center: Brochures and newsletters highlighting the programs and activities that we offer to keep people active and engaged as they age.
  • FDL County Health Dept.: Services we offer such as blood pressure screenings, immunizations, pregnancy testing, well water testing, radon testing, medical loan closet, Save A Smile Dental Program, Woman Infants and Children program and the Living Well Coalition.
  • Attitude Sports: Display of pedal-assist (e-bikes) and snowshoes.