The West Hempstead School District held its first Community Wellness Day at the Secondary School on Nov. 16. This event was open to community members of all ages to learn more about healthy living.
“We felt this was a good way to get people of all ages in the community involved in health and wellness,” Superintendent Dan Rehman said.
The school featured local vendors whose services promote the health and wellness of the West Hempstead community members.
“We’re very thankful to have a bunch of great vendors here to educate the community about different aspects of health and wellness,” Jonathan Gill, West Hempstead’s director of health, physical education, and athletics, said.
“There’s a general perception that health and wellness means physical activity,” Gill said. “But we want people to learn about overall health and wellbeing, including psychological health, nutrition and more.”
There were information tables set up by, NYU Langone Health, who quizzed attendees on health facts to win prizes, Northwell Health, with important resources, Crossroad Farms at Grossmann’s, shared the benefits of eating local foods, American Heart Association, who work with the schools to support saving lives, and Cerebral Sports, which help students learn strategies to manage anxiety.
There were physical activities provided by several vendors. Attendees had the opportunity to attend rotating clinics with Blackout Boxing Club of West Hempstead, Valley Studio Pilates, and Train to Transfer. These groups offered insights on boxing techniques, the fundamentals of Pilates, and principles of strength training, respectively. These clinics allowed students to explore new forms of exercise they may enjoy.
“If the students and community members come to see value in this health and wellness workshop, it will traverse across our whole community and make us a healthier neighborhood.”
Gil looks forward to hosting the next Community Wellness Day in the future.
