Welcome to April, Autism Awareness Month! We invite everyone to join with the greater disabilities community in working for understanding and acceptance of people who live with autism. According to Researcher George T. Capone, MD, of the Kennedy-Krieger Institute, who has previously presented at Pathfinder Village, current estimates place between 1 to 10% of people with Down syndrome as also having autism.
Looking ahead this week, our Pathfinder Produce team will be busy! We’ll host our regular market this Thursday at the Village Commons in Edmeston, from 1 to 5 p.m. (Which includes pick-up stations for our new online ordering system – in Edmeston during the regular market hours, and at the UMC, Morris from 3 -6 p.m.). Then, this Friday and Saturday, April 6 & 7, the team will be hosting a mobile market at the Living Healthy Expo at the Foothills Performing Art Center, Oneonta, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is hosted by the Otsego County Public Health Department and is sponsored by NYCM Insurance, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, and the Leatherstocking Collaborative Health Partners.
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Its spring and many of us are getting the itch to tone up! It's a good time to plan for walking, running, and biking through the year. Many of us, no matter our age or fitness level, struggle with procrastination and sustainability when we start a fitness regimen. Sticking with a workout and eating plan is difficult, and it's so easy to get side-tracked.
This week, as an example of “sticking with it,” I want to give a shout out to the members
of our weekly ZUMBA crew, who meet up with licensed instructor Zoe Curtis each Wednesday night at the Pathfinder Gym at 7 p.m. for a workout. These folks find camaraderie and are inspired in these high-energy sessions, which are based in Latin dance rhythms and steady beats to get everyone moving. The sessions are very cost-friendly – $5 per class. ZUMBA is inclusive and doesn't require any prior dance class experience, fitness level, or any finely honed skills. And Zoe always keeps it fun!
of our weekly ZUMBA crew, who meet up with licensed instructor Zoe Curtis each Wednesday night at the Pathfinder Gym at 7 p.m. for a workout. These folks find camaraderie and are inspired in these high-energy sessions, which are based in Latin dance rhythms and steady beats to get everyone moving. The sessions are very cost-friendly – $5 per class. ZUMBA is inclusive and doesn't require any prior dance class experience, fitness level, or any finely honed skills. And Zoe always keeps it fun!
Another great opportunity is happening in the next few weeks -- our annual DASH to the SPLASH program will get underway here at Pathfinder on Monday, April 9, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. This free program offers structured training, group activities, and encouragement for those who want to sign up for our FIFTH ANNUAL Splash Path 5 K and Fun Walk, which is happening on Saturday, May 19. The Dash program meets on Mondays each week for six weeks; participants are encouraged to do their own routines on two other days of the week, typically on Wednesdays and Saturdays (or this can be varied if your schedule requires it). If you're interested in signing up, please send an email to Monica Clark at mclark@pathfindervillage.org.
By working out and getting support from other Dash coaches and participants, you can focus on gradually building your stamina and strength, and overcome those moments of procrastination and self-defeat. This will be the third year of the Dash program, and we're very encouraged by the community participation we've had each year.
Finally, I want to relate a Pathfinder Village success story: My good friend Linda has been focused on maintaining better health for over a year; she’s been mindful of her eating habits, paying attention to portion control, and makes healthy choices. She works out each week with Monica, our mutual friend, and they help each other stay on-track in their training.
The other weekend, Linda and I were at a gathering, and one of my big downfalls --pizza--was being served. Linda was great in her resolve; she explained to me that she had a limit of one slice of pizza (it was a lunch gathering), and she asked for water instead of drinking soda. She also said she would be taking advantage of the nice weather to go for a walk later in the day.
Her healthy habits have made a noticeable difference in her life. “I feel fine, and I’m happy on how I look,” said Linda with confidence. “When I eat, I stick to my plan … sometimes it can be tricky, but I know what I’m doing.
Until next time, eat well, get active, and we'll see you soon at Pathfinder Produce!
Lori
