Community encouraged to explore ways to live healthier

February is American Heart Month. We encourage individuals and families in the Marysville Tulalip community to explore ways to live healthier. That can range from learning about diabetes to increasing physical activity and supporting families. Healthy minds and hearts are the key!

Tulalip Tribes

Tulalip Tribes has a robust Diabetes program and was the 2016 recipient of the Indian Health Service Portland Area Director’s Award for Recognition of Excellence. Some highlights of the program that make it stand out are the beautiful gardens that Diabetes patients assist with, the cooking and food preservation classes and focus on culture in prevention.

The Diabetes program is currently advertising for the comprehensive interactive diabetes series. This is set up in a series of 4 classes and we usually keep this class size under 10. We call this “Finding Your Way with Diabetes” This year we will be adding some new components to our classes with cultural crafts and seated tai chi.

For your reference, I have enclosed the link to the company with whom we have a working relationship. For more information go to https://healthyinteractions.com/about-us.

They have been incredible and have even been willing to develop a Coast Salish interactive map utilizing our foods, cultural activities and tribal events.

City of Marysville

The city offers many affordable sports, fitness and wellness classes and activities for all ages and abilities. In February you can sign up for an adult softball league or tap dance class, learn self-defense, practice yoga/belly dancing/clogging or learn about emotion codes. Find a fit that’s right for you by searching the many options at https://apm.activecommunities.com/marysvillewa/Home.

It’s also not too early to plan ahead and mark your calendars for fun outdoor activities including the Outdoor Speaker Series on March 10, ribbon-cutting for the newly renovated Cedar Field on March 28, the Kids’ Fishing Derby on May 2 and Healthy Communities Challenge Day on June 6. Here’s to a heart-healthy 2020!

Marysville School District

Healthy body, healthy mind! Our role as a public education system is to provide quality health and fitness programs that establish a balance promoting optimal health and wellness for educational success. From preschool through graduation, our schools have physical fitness programs for all grades including outdoor play for our youngest learners. From our physical education to health teachers, school sports and community sports, there are many ways for students to participate. During the school day, physical fitness is built in through PE classes and recess for preschool and elementary-age learners, and students learn about fitness and nutrition through health classes. In addition, our school nurses and health room assistants support student learning by making certain that students are well cared for when they become ill or hurt at school or if they need medication at school for conditions such as diabetes. They also help to inform parents and guardians about when it is too sick to be in school. We encourage families to stay active together by participating in the many outdoor activities that our schools, parks, and communities offer.

This monthly column is jointly prepared by the Tulalip Tribes, Marysville School District and City of Marysville about topics of interest to the Marysville Tulalip community.