Foundation launches parks program

11/6/2015

11/6/2015 (La Porte, IN) - Sometimes a day in the park is just what the doctor ordered.

Or, as Charles Dickens once said, "The sum of the whole is this: walk and be happy; walk and be healthy." On Nov. 14, The Foundation, in support of IU Health La Porte Hospital, together with our local parks departments, will launch the Get Fit RxTrails program, a special new tool to equip children and families with information on how to use our local parks for health and play. The kick-off event will be from 9:30-10:30 a.m., at Luhr County Park, 3178 S. 150 W., La Porte. Everyone in the community is welcome. Healthy refreshments and activities for children and families will be available, and the park trails will be open.

The Get Fit RxTrails program was developed as a result of an in-depth strategic look at helping families get healthy. The Foundation, with IU Health La Porte Hospital Wellness Outreach, has successfully grown the Lil' FISH program in area schools to give children a foundation for healthy living, but wanted to expand on the concept of making healthy living an easy choice for families. Our local parks are a natural fit.

"We pulled together a local committee of individuals in our community committed to family health, and entered into an intense process called an A3 to determine how we could expand the outreach of Lil' FISH and break down some of the barriers families face to building healthy habits," said Maria Fruth, executive vice president and chief operating officer of the La Porte Hospital Foundation. From that, the Get Fit RxTrails program was born.

"We are blessed with an abundance of natural resources and open public spaces in our communities. When we first approached our pediatricians about this program and asked if they would participate by promoting it to their patients and families, they were very excited," said G. Thor Thordarson, President/CEO of IU Health La Porte Hospital. "Our doctors know the health benefits of spending time outside, so it's exciting to see this come together."

The benefits of spending time outdoors are nearly endless. It's a chance to unplug and spend time with family or friends. It's a chance to explore your surroundings, breathe in fresh air, let go of the day's stress, and enjoy exercise without walls.

Walking on a regular basis can significantly reduce chances of developing all kinds of health issues, including heart disease and obesity. And, walking, hiking, jogging or running are all free!

IU Health La Porte Physicians Pediatrics providers plan to recommend the Get Fit RxTrails program to patients and families. It starts with the Passport to Health, which includes a brochure explaining the program, and a packet containing an activity log, and maps of all the La Porte city and county parks. Kids can track their progress and turn their completed logs into the doctor's office for chances to win great outdoor-related prizes. But you don't have to be a patient of an IU Health doctor to benefit from Get Fit RxTrails. Anyone in the community can log onto youngerlife.org and click on Get Moving to download the program materials starting Nov. 14.

"The County Parks Department is glad to be involved with this program that will help the citizens of LaPorte County discover ways to make fitness and health a priority in their lives. Whether it be a hike on a paved trail, using our outdoor exercise equipment, playing volleyball or even just getting out to fish at Luhr County Park, community members have lots of opportunities they may have never known about. We are happy the hospital is willing to showcase these resources to the community," said Jeremy Sobecki, superintendent for La Porte County Parks.

"Getting children outside and engaged in being physically fit is, of course, a top priority of the program. The added value here is that we are also teaching our kids to appreciate the outdoors," said Mark Schreiber, superintendent of City of La Porte Parks and Recreation Department. "We know the benefits of playing outside in our parks can reduce anxiety and improve imagination. We are doing our jobs well as a parks system when the community grows to love and use their parks, so this program is a natural fit for us and we are grateful for The Foundation's support to make it happen."

Parks are open year-round.

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