Healthy Heart Celebration comes to Worthington Saturday

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WORTHINGTON — Of all the reasons to attend this Saturday’s Healthy Heart Celebration at the YMCA, the chance to see YMCA Director Andy Johnson in a red dress might be the most compelling one.

“The staff has a challenge for the heart walk (that) if 100 people register, then the director has to take the walk in a red dress,” he laughed. “I’m praying for 99.”

The two-mile Sweet Heart Walk is one of several events planned for this Saturday’s Healthy Heart Celebration, a joint effort between Sanford Regional Hospital Worthington and the Worthington YMCA.

The event will run from 8 a.m. to noon at the YMCA and will feature health screenings by Sanford workers, including cholesterol and glucose tests and blood pressure readings, for a reduced cost.

Sanford will also sponsor a free body composition analysis and body mass index testing and a healthy eating display with snacks.

The YMCA plans to offer several activities throughout the day, including Pilates, a family aerobics class and open swim session. A group cycling class at 8:30 a.m. will show off one of the YMCA’s more popular offerings.

“That’s been the big hit this winter here at the ‘Y.’ We’ll be taking time for people who want to see that and ask questions of the instructor,” Johnson said.

Staff will also demonstrate new exercise equipment, some of which could be used at the new YMCA, and offer membership discounts throughout the day.

There is a fee for the walk, which is slated to begin at 10 a.m. at the YMCA. The first hundred participants will get T-shirts before heading off to the two-mile stretch along First Avenue.

Johnson said the event is not a fundraiser, just a chance to promote a healthy lifestyle.

“We believe that none of these things are specific to adults. We’re trying to make sure folks are educated so they can educate their children and it can become life-long healthy activities,” he said.

Day care is available at the event. Those interested in the health screenings can call 372-3319 in advance to set up an appointment, but pre-registration is not required.

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