Sheree Vodicka, AHA Director

Many of you don't know this, but I had arthroscopic hip surgery in mid- October. Nothing serious - spent a couple of weeks on crutches. With any luck at all, I'll be back on my bike after a few months of rehab.

It's hard to take the time to do things like this. Finding a "good time" to schedule surgery just doesn't happen. There's no good time. You just have to schedule it and do it.

To add to the life interruption, those of you who know me know that I am a "get it done now" kind of girl. I lead a pretty fast paced and busy life, and that's my norm. So being unable to move much for two solid weeks was a challenge I've not faced before.

But I learned something during that time that I want to share with you that has relevance to what AHA is going through now - our own version of surgery. Strategic planning.

Read Sheree's full Perspectives article on AHA's web site.  

Wake County-we're issuing you a challenge! The Maintain, Don't Gain Holiday Challenge kicks off on November 19 and runs through December 31, and historically this state-wide challenge doesn't have great participation rates from Wake County. We know you're up to the challenge to change that this year, and get some helpful tips in the process for a healthier holiday season.

Participating is simple. Sign up to receive free weekly e-newsletters from Eat Smart, Move More (ESMM) to help you maintain your weight through the holidays. The newsletter will feature tips, information and tasty recipes to help you get through the season! You can follow along with others and get support from the Holiday Challenge Blog or share your strategies on the ESMM Facebook page.   

ESMM provides several fliers/posters that you can post about the Holiday Challenge. Consider posting them at work, at your children's school and PTA office, at your health club and forwarding this email to colleagues, friends you work out with and others!  

AHA fosters and supports community efforts to make healthy eating and physical activity the way of life in Wake County. Simply put, we are working to make the healthy choice the easy choice!    

AHA Partner in the Spotlight:   

Western Wake Tennis Association 

Five Western Wake County communities have the potential for 44 new public tennis courts in the next five years, and 43 schools in those communities have received free 10 and under tennis equipment.  

 

Read our profile on Western Wake Tennis Association to see how this AHA partner is helping these communities enjoy the lifelong healthy sport of tennis!