Initiatives
Family Mealtimes
An important part of a healthy lifestyle, kids receive many benefits from uninterrupted, quality time with their families, especially if they help prepare the meal! Benefits include better nutrition, an increased sense of togetherness, less of a chance of using illegal drugs, and better school performance. Visit Make Mealtime Family Time for ideas for your family mealtimes. Need some help in planning that family meal? Check out the grocery shopping list!
Family Playtime
The benefits of physical activity are endless—improved quality of sleep, decreased risk and severity of chronic conditions, and increase energy, just to name a few! Learn more about the importance of outdoor play and get great play ideas from the National Wildlife Federation’s Be Out There Campaign. Locally, you can swim with the Marathon Manta Rays, take a ride with the Wausau Wheelers, or check out the YMCA to play dodgeball! The Active Recreation Guide for Marathon County also includes Marathon County park maps, amenities, and availability of hiking and biking trails.
Farmers Markets
An important asset to our community, farmers’ markets provide an opportunity for residents to access fresh, local food. Current efforts are focused around providing access to FoodShare clients to use their FoodShare benefits at the Wausau Farmers’ Market on River Drive. Find out where the closest market is to you by viewing the Farmers Markets in Marathon County listing. Don’t know what to do with all the fruits and veggies you bring home? Check out our storage and usage tips.
Bike and Pedestrian Strategies
Bike and pedestrian facilities are becoming more common in neighborhoods across the country, just as they are right here in Marathon County. Bicycling and walking, whether for recreation or transportation, are part of a healthy lifestyle. Right now, efforts are focused on adequate signage, education (for motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians), and encouraging residents to incorporate bicycling and walking into their everyday lives.
Community Gardens
HEAL is also supporting the development of the Wausau 2nd Street Community Garden, opening in June 2011. The mission of the Wausau 2nd Street Community Garden is to increase the awareness of good health and nutrition through growing one’s own food while demonstrating sustainable gardening practices and strengthening neighborhood participation. For more information visit Wausau Area Community Gardens.
