May is here, and from a healthy living standpoint this is one of the best times of the year to embrace a healthy lifestyle in Sonoma. The sun is shining, the Farmers Market is in full swing, and outdoors is where it’s at. What more could we ask for?
How about national bike month? I must admit, I didn’t even know there was such a thing until I was knee deep in a discussion about why kids are driven to school these days instead of being expected to walk or ride bikes in this beautiful weather. I can’t help but feel a sadness when I think about the change in society from “most kids walking” to “most kids being driven” to school. Some of my most important social learning experiences happened on that mile and a half walk to and from school every day. Kids of all ages walked along the same path, interacting, being allowed to make mistakes and to experience consequences, which helped shape who we are today. There was a sort of natural organization whereby younger kids were deemed safe because older kids were around, and there was always a parent peeking out the front door as the caravan passed by to pick up their child, so there were always safe eyes upon us. So how does this relate to national bike month and healthy living? Well, healthy living starts with healthy habits. Somehow we have gotten away from allowing our children to roam free and transport themselves to where they need to be, which cuts way back on the amount of time they are moving their bodies. So today we “celebrate” things we used to take for granted, like “walk and roll” to school week and “ride your bike” month.
Sonoma is the perfect place to embrace riding your bike. The city is only a couple miles wide, and everything is centrally located. Perhaps the biggest challenge of increased bike riding is finding the extra bit of time it takes to get around. We have become accustomed to over-scheduling to the point in which we stress ourselves out, which also has a negative effect on our health. So how about saddling up on your bike this month and adjusting your schedule for more walking and riding? Your body, mind, and spirit will love you for it.
Another great way to embrace healthy living is to join our Shape Up Sonoma program, shapeupsonoma.com. This is an opportunity for each and every community member to get healthy by following our weekly programs and activities involving fitness and nutrition. Check out our calendar and website to see how you can get healthier today.
Speaking of making healthy changes, Shape Up Sonoma would like to honor one of our members who deserves recognition. Milenka Bates, Sonoma’s very own public works director is not only an outstanding city contributor, but she is also a great mother and dedicated Shape Up Sonoma member. She has lost over 80 pounds in the last year and we applaud her tremendous efforts to get healthy.
Thank you Milenka and the rest of the SUS leadership for being great examples for our community!
Heather Morgan
info@shapeupsonoma.com
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