Roper YMCA promotes healthy lifestyle with family fitness day

The Roper YMCA in Winter Garden held its Healthy Living Family Fitness Day on Saturday, June 21, in conjunction with Health Central Hospital. This free event was open to the community, and families were able to learn from experts about how to stay safe and healthy during hot Florida summers.

Doctors and health specialists set up stations for families to visit and ask questions. Dr. Melodie Mope of Summerport Family Medicine spoke about how to avoid dehydration and heat exhaustion. Some key tips from Health Central Hospital for staying hydrated are: keep a bottle of water with you during the day, drink water before and after a workout and start and end the day with a glass of water.

To prevent heat exhaustion during outdoor activities, wear lightweight clothing, drink plenty of water, consume less caffeine and schedule strenuous activities for times when it’s cooler outside, such as morning and evening.

Also in attendance was Dr. Mitchell Supler – a neurosurgeon with the NeuroSpine Institute who showed how to recognize signs, symptoms and the dangers of concussions – and Health Central Hospital Rehabilitation Services to speak on recognizing signs and symptoms of sport related injuries. Wheel Works of Winter Garden helped fit helmets properly and also performed bike maintenance to insure a safe ride.

UF Health Cancer Center at Orlando Health taught families how to protect their skin from the sun and expressed the importance of wearing sunscreen daily. Hats are also a great way to avoid sun damage, as well as wearing clothing to keep covered when possible. Orlando Health gave free bottles of sunscreen to kick start the healthy habit.

House Blend Café demonstrated how meal planning and preparation can be enjoyed by the entire family. Jenny Fauser showed children and parents how to create smoothies and cracker snacks for quick and healthy meals.

The Roper YMCA has many summer activities for families to enjoy. To learn more, visit ymcacentralflorida.com/y-locations/roper or call (407) 656-6430.