Lakeview Medical Center - 50-Plus Challenge to Live Well

What is it?

Lakeview Medical Center teamed with the Barron County Office on Aging, University of Wisconsin Barron County, and Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College for the 50-Plus Challenge to Live Well, an event to encourage adults ages 50 and over to add activity to their lifestyle for health.

Held in Rice Lake at a local shopping mall, the 50-Plus Challenge to Live Well features free health screenings, information, and demonstrations on recreational activities and hobbies, as well as guest speakers. In addition, local businesses donate door prizes, along with a three-month membership to the hospital’s Health & Wellness Center.

The free health screenings include blood pressure, body fat, lung function, vision, blood sugar, body mass index, and strength tests. Participants engage in interactive tests to show their level of fitness and are given easy, everyday activities they could do to improve their lifestyle. They are also given information about activities and hobbies that could help sharpen their physical and mental skills, such as gardening, fly and jig tying, curling, CPR, biking, and massage. In addition, local civic groups showcase a variety of volunteer activities available for seniors.

Who is it for?

Adults ages 50 and over in the Rice Lake area.

Why do they do it?

Older Americans are more sedentary, contributing to a variety of health-related problems as they age. The 50-Plus program was developed to increase awareness of health issues related to an inactive lifestyle and provide people with enjoyable ideas and examples of activities they could easily pursue on their own or with friends.

Impact

More than 350 people participated in the 2013 50-Plus Challenge to Live Well.

Contact: Char Mlejnek
Director, Health Promotions
Telephone: 715-236-6207
E-mail: mlejnek.char@lakeviewmedical.org