Let’s Talk Health Week Returns to Grand Rapids
Katrina Danko
| 3 min read
Let’s Talk Health Week, which focuses on encouraging healthy lifestyles for people of all ages, kicks off its fifth annual initiative this month in Grand Rapids. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is partnering with community organizations to present health-focused events that emphasize prevention, nutritious eating habits and physical activity.
This year’s line-up, which brings together local leaders, advocates, agencies and members of faith-based organizations, runs from June 13 through 19.
Monday, June 13 – Blues Community Faith in Wellness Challenge Kick-Off Rally
- 6 p.m.
- Baxter Community Center, 935 Baxter SE, Grand Rapids
- Hundreds of parishioners from local churches will kick off the 12-week Faith in Wellness Blues Community Challenge. It promotes physical activity in a fun, faith-filled environment that fosters support from fellow parishioners. Participants can choose from a variety of fun workouts such as Zumba and Boot Camp. To RSVP for this free event, contact [email protected] or call 616-329-5541.
Monday, June 13 – #MIKidsCan Cook Healthy Cooking Competition
- 7 p.m.
- Baxter Community Center, 935 Baxter SE, Grand Rapids
- Local kids ages 8 to 18 will show off their culinary skills in a competition to create delicious and healthy snacks. Spectators can cheer on the contestants and sample their creations. A panel of three judges will choose their favorite recipe based on creativity, taste and presentation. If your child is interested in participating in the competition, request a registration form at [email protected].
Tuesday, June 14 –Faith in Wellness Luncheon
- 11:30 a.m.
- Kroc Center, 2500 S. Division Ave. SE, Grand Rapids
- The Faith in Wellness luncheon focuses on engaging and equipping faith-based organizations to create healthier communities. This centers on the importance of maximizing prevention though increasing daily physical activity and incorporating healthier food options into your daily diet. Key speakers are Jacquetta Hinton, program consultant at Michigan Department of Health & Human Services, Health Disparities Reduction and Minority Health Section, and Aliya Armstrong, AFAA Fitness Instructor at YMCA and founder of S.T.A.R.S (Sisters Taking Action Reversing Statistics). To RSVP for this free event, contact [email protected] or call 616-329-5541.
Friday, June 17 – 4th Annual Real Men Cook & Eat Healthy Cooking Contest
- 6 p.m.
- Kroc Center, 2500 S. Division Ave. SE, Grand Rapids
- Seven local chefs will compete in a cooking contest to see who can make the most delicious healthy dish. The winning dish, chosen by the panel of three judges, will be featured on the Linc Up Soul Food Café menu for one month. The chef who makes the crowd’s favorite dish will win $1,000 to donate to a non-profit of his choice. To RSVP for this free event, contact [email protected] or call 616-329-5541.
Saturday, June 18 – Grand C.I.T.Y. Sports 5K Father & Son Walk
- 8:30 a.m.
- LifeQuest Ministries, Neland Ave. SE, Grand Rapids
- This father and son-focused 5K event promotes the importance of preventive health for men and provides access to wellness and human service resources. To register for the Grand C.I.T.Y. Sports 5K Father & Son Walk, visit grandcitysports.com or email [email protected]
Saturday, June 18 – 17th Annual Charles R. Drew Golf Outing
- 8:15 a.m.
- Quail Ridge Golf Course, 8375 36th SE, Ada
- The Charles R. Drew Golf Outing is a day of golfing that spotlights the importance of prevention and wellness, particularly for African American men. The golf outing seeks to educate fathers and sons about the physical and mental health issues, like diabetes, that can impact their lives and their families. To register for the Charles R. Drew Golf Outing, visit omegaupliftfoundation.org or call 616-328-1426.
Photo credit: Bro. Jeffrey Pioquinto, SJ
