‘Be Active’ outdoors with Live Healthy Gwinnett during the month of July

Nearly three in ten U.S. adults do not spend time outdoors on a daily basis.  July is designated as National Parks and Recreation month, and programs like Live Healthy Gwinnett, are taking action to increase outdoor exercise and activities in local parks. This year’s theme, “OUT is IN,” encourages individuals, families, friends and coworkers to do something outside every day that they would normally do inside. The parks in Gwinnett County offer ample opportunities to go outside, get inspired and get involved.

In addition to getting involved in Park and Recreation Month locally, people are encouraged to take the OUT is IN 31-day social media challenge on Twitter and Instagram by posting photos of themselves doing typical inside activities outside with the hashtag #JulyOUTisIN. To learn more about getting OUTside and INvolved with Gwinnett County Park and Recreation during National Park and Recreation Month, visit www.gwinnettparks.com and www.nrpa.org/July.

 “On July 1, Gwinnett County Chairman Charlotte Nash declared the month of July as Park and Recreation Month in Gwinnett County”, said Tina Fleming, Director of Operations. “This important designation highlights the vital role Gwinnett County plays in conservation, health and wellness, and social equity efforts in our community.  Gwinnett County is leading initiatives and providing opportunities for people to achieve healthier lifestyles, promote and understand nature and conservation, as well as bringing the community closer through a variety of programs and services. Through partnerships like Live Healthy Gwinnett, we are able to educate residents about healthy behavior changes and the important screenings available to them."

While this month encourages individuals in the community to get out and Be Active in their local parks, Live Healthy Gwinnett is also increasing awareness about the importance of wearing skin protectants while participating and engaging in outdoor activity.  

“In an effort to raise awareness about skin cancer and ensure more individuals commit to be informed and get screened, Live Healthy Gwinnett is encouraging every individual to Get Checked on a regular basis and wear protectants to avoid skin cancer,” said Kim Ryan, CEO Eastside Medical Center. “

Live Healthy Gwinnett will be hosting a series of Walk the Talk’s at local Gwinnett County parks dedicated to speaking with individuals and families in the community about how to protect yourself from skin cancer and the importance of getting checked. Walk the Talk began in May 2014, as an initiative to encourage Gwinnett County residents to build and maintain physical activity routines to improve their overall health and decrease their chances of developing chronic diseases.

Walk the Talk events during the month of July include:

 -Bethesda Park – Sunday, July 6, 7 p.m.

-Tribble Mill Park – Thursday, July 10, 7 p.m.

-Alexander Park – Saturday, July 12, 8 a.m.

-Little Mulberry Park – Tuesday, July 15, 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

- Rabbit Hill Park –Saturday, July 19, 9 a.m.

-Lenora Park – Tuesday, July 22, 7 p.m.

- Freeman’s Mill Park – Thursday, July 24, 7pm

-Harbins Park – Sunday, July 27, 8 a.m.

 To view the full July schedule online and for more information on Live Healthy Gwinnett, visit http://www.livehealthygwinnett.com/events.html and the Live Healthy Gwinnett Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/livehealthygwinnett.

About Live Healthy Gwinnett

Live Healthy Gwinnett launched in 2014 as a partnership between Eastside Medical Center and Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation. The program includes clinical expertise from Eastside Medical Center physicians and staff partnered with wellness recommendations and activities offered by Gwinnett County Parks and Recreation. Live Healthy Gwinnett is designed to encourage and engage Gwinnett County residents to invest in personal wellness while focusing on four major wellness areas: Be Active, Eat Healthy, Get Checked and Be Positive. For more information on how your company or organization can get involved with Live Healthy Gwinnett, visit www.livehealthygwinnett.com.

 About Eastside Medical Center

Eastside Medical Center has been a healthcare leader for more than 30 years providing quality care to patients in Gwinnett and surrounding counties.  Eastside is a 310-bed comprehensive facility offering medical and surgical programs including heart and vascular, neurosciences, oncology, orthopedics, spine and wellness center, 24-hour emergency, pediatric emergency, rehabilitation, sleep disorder, women’s services, wound clinic, and behavioral health.  With our exceptional medical staff of 500 board certified physicians, 1200 employees, and 400 volunteers, we are committed to being your center of excellence.  In 2013, Eastside received full Chest Pain Center Accreditation, earned The Joint Commission’s “Gold Seal of Approval” for quality and safety in disease-specific joint replacement care and the Blue Distinction Centers Program for pine surgery. For more information about the services offered and health plans accepted, call 770-979-0200 or visit our website at Eastsidemedical.com.  We are located at 1700 Medical Way, Snellville, Georgia.

About Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation

Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation Mission Statement: In partnership with our citizens, Gwinnett County Parks & Recreation provides high quality, broad-based parks, facilities, programs and services creating a sense of community, enabling a safe and secure environment, and enhancing Gwinnett’s quality of life.  gwinnettparks.com