Heston Farm to host day of healthy life enrichment
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – The West Virginia University Center of Excellence in Women’s Health (CoE) will show women how joyous and fulfilling healthy lifestyle choices can be at this year’s Marion County Women on Wellness (WOW) program, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 20, at Heston Farm in Fairmont.WOW is a one-day, interactive program designed to inspire women to make positive lifestyle choices through an atmosphere of joy and personal empowerment. The program’s ultimate goal is to assist women in Southern West Virginia in leading healthier lives, while providing a safe and nonjudgmental environment that is fun and provides necessary behavior changing tools and guidance.
CoE Executive Director Betty Critch said the annual event underscores the idea that a healthy lifestyle is a journey, rather than a destination, and she insists the journey should be fun.
“West Virginia ranks near the bottom of almost all health statistical rankings,” she said. “Women generally take care of everyone else first and neglect themselves. WOW is an opportunity to do just the opposite we believe that women can lead a grassroots effort to change this. By helping women make positive changes, we can impact not only their lives, but the lives of their families and the community.”
With a focus on prevention, the retreat serves to link each participant to resources in her community that can support her personal wellness journey. WOW stresses that no two women start at the same place, and the day’s activities teach each participant how to develop and prioritize a set of goals and strategies. Each woman will leave with her own personal lifestyle plan, a wealth of information and the resources to reach her goals, as well as a renewed commitment and the motivation to continue the process she has started.
The retreat includes health screenings, nutrition counseling, fitness workshops, meditation and massage, heart health and wellness in general. Every woman will have the opportunity to develop a personal wellness plan.
WOW registration is $50, but the retreat is free for women in the military, veterans, wives or partners of veterans, and active duty personnel (includes National Guard and Reserves). Scholarships and gift certificates are also available.
Participants are asked to wear loose, comfortable clothing for a full day of lifestyle enrichment activities. The day includes a nutritious breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack.
For more information about the retreat, see www.wowicandoit.com.
For more information about the WVU National Center of Excellence for Women’s Health, see www.wvhealthywomen.org.