Staying active is an important aspect to overall health and wellness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outreach “Active People, Healthy Nation” contains many resources and reasons to be active.
Benefits From Staying Active
Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities. Adults who sit less and do any amount of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity gain some health benefits. At least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes & some cancers.
In 2009, through funding from the CT State Department of Public Health, the Matters of the Heart Partnership developed a great resource with many of our town’s parks and outdoor activity areas mapped out. Check out the “Opportunities for Physical Activity & Healthy Dining here.”
Active Living Opportunities
EHHD member towns offer many opportunities for Active Living such as fitness centers, town senior centers, Bike/Walk advocacy groups, and the numerous parks and trails across the region.
Over the years, the Health District has also facilitated and supported many projects and funding opportunities including:
- Safe Routes to School master plans in Coventry, Tolland and Mansfield and various infrastructure projects in Coventry and Mansfield to improve the safety of active transportation routes to school
- Active Living Projects designed to increase access to opportunities for physical activity for free or very low cost.Take advantage of the various projects in EHHD member towns that have been funded by grants (through the EHHD) and leveraged community/business donations and volunteer hours
- Kayaking, Canoeing, Paddle Boarding loan projects are available in Bolton, Columbia, Coventry, Mansfield and Willington
- Trail improvements in Ashford, Coventry, Chaplin, Tolland and Scotland
- Fitness equipment is available along the trail in Columbia