Courtesy photo.
FLAGSTAFF — Sixteen percent of adults living in Coconino County report to be in poor or fair health, according to a study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Organizations across Flagstaff are working hard to improve the overall health and wellness of those living in our community. Flagstaff Local Motion is an inter-agency effort to prevent chronic disease and help community members get their health on track in 2017. Flagstaff Local Motion was created by a subcommittee of the Community Health Improvement Plan conducted by the Coconino County Public Health Services District. Organizations involved in the subcommittee include: Fit Kids of Northern Arizona, Native Americans for Community Action (NACA), North Country HealthCare, Northern Arizona Council of Governments (NACOG), Northern Arizona University and the Public Services District of Coconino County.
Below are low-cost or no-cost solutions to increase activity, which were identified by Flagstaff Local Motion.
• The City of Flagstaff Recreation Department offers a variety of recreation programming including: programs for adults, kids and families at the Flagstaff Aquaplex and Hal Jensen Recreation Center, ice skating at the Jay Lively Activity Center, and activities for seniors at the Joe C Montoya Community and Senior Center. Additionally, Flagstaff has 24 parks, two disc golf courses, and the Flagstaff Urban Trail System.
• Coconino County Parks and Recreation offers programs for adults and youth that encourage them to get moving and get outdoors. Programs include archery, summer camp, mountain bike camp, hiking and more.
• Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) Wellness Center offers low-cost health classes, group fitness, personal training, and food demonstrations. Living Lean is a 10-class series which focuses on participants’ fat loss. Superhero Fitness and Nutrition is designed to help families learn healthy habits.
• North Country HealthCare offers “Step Into Health” a monthly walking club available to everyone, at every pace. Groups meet at North Country HealthCare (2920 N. 4th St.) and walk for about one hour. To join email Julio Quezada at jquezada@nchcaz.org.
• Northern Arizona University recently opened the North Campus Athletic and Recreation Complex. This facility offers memberships and day passes for community members.
• The Valley of the Sun YMCA in Flagstaff is a cause-driven nonprofit organization working towards a better family, better community, a better us. The YMCA is dedicated to providing affordable programs and services to benefit people of all incomes and backgrounds in our community. Thanks to the generous support of those who donate to the Y’s Annual Community Support Campaign, financial assistance is available to those who cannot afford the full fee and qualify for assistance.
• Walk the Walk is a local walking group with a goal of having fun, socializing, and walking with a purpose. Treks are generally 3-5 miles in length, usually within Flagstaff City Limits and highlight the Flagstaff Urban Trail System. Walks occur on Tuesday and Friday mornings, with various other walks taking place on the weekends. Please contact Jack Welch at ADILLLO@aol.com for more information or to be added to the email list.
About North Country HealthCare: North Country HealthCare serves as the medical home for nearly 60,000 people throughout northern Arizona, 20,000 who reside in Flagstaff and the surrounding area. North Country HealthCare accepts Medicare, AHCCCS, commercial insurance and offers a sliding fee scale based on income and family size. If you are in need of a medical home, North Country has a large and diverse provider team and is always accepting new patients. For more information on the locations, programs and services, call 928-522-9400 or visit northcountryhealthcare.org. Like North Country HealthCare on Facebook.