L-R: Martin Bruhn, Race Director, Women’s Woodstock Cycling Grand Prix; Heidi Kirschner,
President & CEO YMCA; Hein; Smith
KINGSTON – Local officials are urging Ulster County residents to
iron out their tight-fitting jumpsuits and lace up their springtime sneakers,
to prepare for a week’s worth of fun activities. County Executive
Michael Hein, is declaring the Sixth Annual Healthy Ulster County Week.
This annual festival of fitness kicks off on Saturday, with the Women’s
Health & Fitness Expo, held at Miller Middle School in Lake Katrine, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Expo features workshops, demos and guest speakers, promoting a healthy lifestyle. http:/www.womenshealthexpo.com
High-endurance early birds might pump out a bicycle marathon through Woodstock, Saugerties and Phoenicia, possibly getting back in time to catch the Expo. The Women’s Woodstock Cycling Grand Prix begins 8 p.m. Saturday, and features a grueling climb past Overlook Mountain, one of the steepest courses in the United States. www.womenswoodstockcycling.com
Throughout the area, other local businesses are offering incentives to stay fit. The extensive list includes athletic facilities, tourist sites, and restaurant coupons.
http://ulstercountyny.gov/sites/default/files/Healthy%20Ulster%20County%20Week%202016%20Calendar%20-%20FINAL.pdf
Hein noted a 19-point jump in Ulster County’s health ranking, since
the program began, from 35th place to 15th statewide, over the past six
years. The numbers are determined by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation County
Health Rankings. At this rate, the administration’s goal for reaching
#1 healthiest county in New York should be achieved by 2020, Hein said.
http://ulstercountyny.gov/news/executive-press-releases/county-executive-mike-hein-announces-6th-annual-healthy-ulster-county
Joining Hein at a launch event on Wednesday were numerous health and fitness partners, including Heidi Kirschner, director of the Kingston YMCA, who hosted the announcement.
“Get outside; take a five-minute stroll,” Kirschner suggested.
“Volunteer, help a senior citizen, encourage a child,” she
added. We know when a person is healthy, they are happy and productive.”
County Health Commissioner Dr. Carol Smith agreed.
“Healthy Ulster County Week demonstrates there is not only something
for everyone; there are many things,” Smith noted. “Trails,
walkways, bike paths, waterways, farm markets, cafes and restaurants offer
healthy alternatives too.
