Vol6 Issue2 - March.pdf Apr. 2014 | Page 38

H E A LT H KISHHEALTH SYSTEM COMMUNITY WELLNESS: HELPING YOU STAY HEALTHY F or almost 15 years, KishHealth System’s Community Wellness Department has been providing low-cost education and free health screenings to residents of DeKalb County, and parts of Kendall and LaSalle counties as well. Now because of recent changes to the way healthcare in America is monitored and provided, Community Wellness is more active than ever. From offering support at local schools and businesses, to presenting classes and programs at Kishwaukee Hospital and Valley West Hospital, Community Wellness works tirelessly toward a single goal— helping you become the most important member of your healthcare team. The first step toward improving community health is getting everyone moving in the same direction. That’s where the Live Healthy DeKalb County (LHDC) program and KishHealth System’s Community Health Liaison Lisa Cumings step in. “The purpose of my position is to improve the health of the county by creating and promoting relationships with local organizations like the YMCA, schools, the health department, etc.,” Cumings said. Live Healthy DeKalb County is truly a product of neighborly cooperation. Cumings works closely with Kara Gallagher of Kishwaukee Family YMCA and a leadership team, which includes heads of the Sycamore and DeKalb Park Districts, leaders in the DeKalb County Health Department, members of the Northern Illinois University community, and the president of KishHealth System. LHDC focuses on creating safer, more inviting environments for physical activities, like biking and walking, and increasing the number of community venues that offer healthy food and beverage choices, such as community gardens. “LHDC also has a food security council that works with food pantries to help them KishHealth System Classes and Events Many more classes are offered, visit www.kishprograms.org for a full listing. Know Your Numbers: free adult screening for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, body mass index, and more. Free weekly blood pressure clinics in numerous locations. Am I Hungry? Mindful Eating Workshop Control Your Cholesterol class Various cooking classes with KishHealth System’s Healthy Culinary Instructor Jo Cessna Time to Quit Tobacco smoking-cessation class Pilates, Yoga, Fit and Fun Senior Workout, Aquatic Exercise and other fitness programs. Free Fall Risk Screenings 38 DEKALB COUNT Y I NV I R O NM ENTS M AGA Z I NE • M A R C H- A P R IL 20 14 WHE RE L IFE H APPE NS. 39