Local Classes offer Lessons on Nutrition, Fitness and More
By LaTINA EMERSON, Special to The Weekly
To improve or maintain good health, it’s important to attend regular doctor’s appointments and medical screenings, as well as learn about beneficial health practices.
Several local organizations, including UGA Extension Coweta County, District 4 Public Health – Georgia Department of Public Health and Summit Family YMCA, offer programs and classes, mostly free of charge, to teach local residents important lessons on a variety of health and wellness topics. Learn more:
UGA Extension Coweta County
UGA Extension Coweta County is presenting the Coweta County Senior Living 2024 Health & Wellness Series. Olivia Handley, Coweta County Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) agent, will teach the classes on the third Monday of each month at 10:30 a.m. at Tommy Thompson Senior Center, 29 Hospital Road in Newnan.
The health and wellness classes, which are free of charge, will last 30 minutes each. The series is geared toward seniors, but open to people of all ages. Here’s the 2024 schedule:
June 17: Healthy Home Habits
July 15: Watch Your Pressure: Lowering Sodium Intake
Aug. 19: Green Cleaning Demo
Sept. 16: I’m Sweet Enough: Limiting Sugar Intake
Oct. 21: Cooking for One
Nov. 18: Food Safety: Clean, Cook, Chill & Separate
Dec. 16: Healthy Snacking & Mini Meals
The June 17 class on healthy home habits will focus on how to maintain a healthy, clean home and provide basic decluttering tips. The Oct. 21 class will give tips on how to cook for one since it can be challenging to cook for a single person. The Nov. 18 class on food safety will offer lessons on how to avoid food borne illnesses. The Dec. 16 class will instruct participants on how to seek out healthy, nutritious snacks during holiday parties.
This summer and fall, Handley will teach canning classes through her duties as a Coweta County FACS agent. Each class is limited to 12 people, so call 770-254-2620 to reserve a spot. The fee is $30 per class. All classes will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Coweta County UGA Extension Office at 255 Pine Road in Newnan. Here’s the 2024 canning schedule:
June 20: Strawberry Jam
July 10: Zesty Tomato Salsa with Tomato Canning Demo
Aug. 21: Green Beans (Pressure Canning)
September: Canning demos at the Coweta County Fair (open to the public)
Oct. 17: Apple Pie Filling
For anyone seeking to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, the Farmers Market will begin June 1 at the Coweta County Asa Powell Expo Center at 197 Temple Ave. in Newnan. The market will be held on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Cooking demonstrations will be available.
The UGA Extension Coweta County office also offers radon testing and soil and water testing. For more information, call 770-254-2620 or email [email protected].
Summit Family YMCA
Summit Family YMCA at 1765 East Hwy. 34 in Newnan offers several health and wellness programs and classes for people of all ages with a YMCA Facility Membership:
The Coach Approach: The Coach Approach is an exercise support program designed to help new and returning exercisers set goals, develop healthy habits and stay on a consistent exercise program. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. The program is free to YMCA Facility Members.
Weight Loss for Life: Weight Loss for Life is a controlled eating program designed to give participants the skills around behavior change and education to make healthier eating choices. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. The program is free to YMCA Facility Members.
Group Exercise Classes: The Y provides a variety of group exercise classes for individuals of all ages and fitness levels including water aerobics, yoga, pilates, barre, stretch, senior strength, youth in motion, zumba, zumba toning, cycle, cycle fusion, HIIT, cardio strength, and Y burn total body (strength training). Group exercise classes, which are offered in the morning, afternoon and evening, are free to YMCA Facility Members.
For questions about Summit Family YMCA programs and classes, contact Angie Cidlik at 770-254-5915 or [email protected]. YMCA Facility Membership rates vary by household. For more information about Summit Family YMCA, visit https://ymcaatlanta.org/locations/summit-family-ymca.
District 4 Public Health – Georgia Department of Public Health
The District 4 Public Health Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Drive-Thru Farmers Market Nutrition Program will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Monday, July 29, at the Carroll County Health Department and Thursday, Aug. 8, at the Coweta County Asa Powell Expo Center at 197 Temple Ave. in Newnan.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the annual Farmers Market is open to active WIC program participants (ages 6 months and older), who will each receive $30 worth of locally grown fruits and vegetables at the event. WIC team members will also be available to provide nutrition education and information on the benefits of fruits and vegetables, suggestions for preparing and storing fresh fruits and vegetables, money-saving tips, and quick recipes.
Participants must bring their IDs and eWIC cards. Supplies are limited, so attendees are encouraged to come early. For more information, call 706-298-6080 or 770-722-0633.
