By Metro Health-University of Michigan Health
The annual Health and Wellness Day returns to Metro Health–University of Michigan Health on Thursday, July 27, followed by the Metro Way 5K and 10K runs in the evening.
Health and Wellness Day will coincide with the weekly Metro Health Farm Market from 9 am to 2 pm. The two runs start at 6:30 pm, preceded by the free kids races a half hour earlier. All events take place at Metro Health Village, 5900 Byron Center Ave. SW.’
“From morning till night, the day is all about encouraging healthy lifestyles,” said Emil Hannesson, director of community outreach. “Our tradition at Metro Health is to support overall community wellness, not just treat illness.”
Health and Wellness Day activities include free screenings for blood pressure and body mass index, as well as information about stroke awareness, smoking cessation, joint health and hands-only CPR.
Also scheduled is a Chef Cookoff in which local chefs compete to create delicious dishes featuring Farm Market fare. This year’s chefs are:
- Jeremy Paquin from Grove Restaurant in Grand Rapids
- Vinnie Augustoni, director of dining services at First & Main, an assisted living facility in Metro Health Village
- Zach Zost, Metro Health executive chef
- Chef O (Oliver Hale), retired national healthy lifestyle chef, winner of Chef Cook-off in 2014
Cookoff judges include Wyoming Mayor Jack Poll, Wyoming Fire Chief Chuck Lark, Valerie Lego of WZZM 13 and two surprises. The chefs get started at 11 am; judging is at noon.
As Health and Wellness Day winds down, the family fun runs get underway. The runs welcome people of all ages and abilities, whether they want to compete or just take a stroll.
“Yes, there will be awards, but the runs are mostly about fun,” said Hannesson. “We don’t care if you run, jog, walk, skip or hop across the finish line. Just come out and get active.”
The range of participants extends to disabled individuals. In association with the local chapter of myTEAM TRIUMPH, Metro Health’s cardiac rehab team will push wheelchair-bound participants in the 5K. MyTEAM TRIUMPH is a nonprofit organization that gives disabled people the thrill of crossing the finish line in endurance events.
The kids races, for children ages 3-14, start at 6 pm. The Metro Way 5K and 10K start at 6:30. Shelley Irwin, host of the WGVU Morning Show, will serve as race emcee.
Kids races are free but registration is required. Advance registration for the 5K and 10K is $30 online. To register for any race, please visit www.metrohealth.net/5K. Adult participants may also register on site for $35 starting at 9 a.m. on race day.
Need more info? Call 616.252.7200 or email LiveHealthy@metrogr.org.
All funds raised will benefit free and low-cost community health programs offered by Metro Health.
