MCRC

Medina Community Recreation Center Newsletter

May 2015 

 

 
May is National Physical Fitness & Sports Month

The Medina Community Recreation Center supports National Physical Fitness and we challenge all residents to get moving and realize the healthy benefits of regular exercise. 

 

Did you know that regular physical activity increases your chances of living a longer, healthier life? It also reduces your risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, and some types of cancer.  

 

The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults

  • Aim for 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week.
  • Moderate activity includes things like walking fast, dancing, swimming, and raking leaves.
  • Do muscle-strengthening activities - like lifting weights or using exercise bands - at least 2 days a week.

Regular physical activity is good for everyone's health, and people of all ages and body types can be physically active. Here are just a few benefits of physical activity:

  • Children and adolescents - Physical activity can improve muscular fitness and bone and heart health.
  • Adults - Physical activity can lower risk for heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer.
  • Older adults - Physical activity can lower the risk of falls and improve cognitive functioning (like learning and judgment skills).

No matter what shape you are in, you can find activities that work for you. Together, we can rise to the challenge and get more active during the month of May!

 

 
 
 
Food labels provide key to healthy food choices

 

In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln launched the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of  Chemistry, the predecessor of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In 1990, the Nutrition Labeling and Education Act (NLEA) was passed, requiring all packaged foods to bear nutrition labeling.

 

We've all seen the nutrition labels on foods we purchase, but how many of us really pay attention and understand the information that label provides?" Nutrition facts on food labels provide information that can help you compare similar products made by different manufacturers, evaluate the difference between things like reduced fat, low fat and no fat, and make informed decisions about what you eat every day," says William Polinski, DO, a Cleveland Clinic cardiologist who sees patients at Medina Hospital and the Wooster Family Health Center.

 

The nutrition label on packaged food is broken down into a few key elements:

* Serving size and number of servings contained in the package
* Calorie count and calories from fat per serving
* Fat and sodium content
* Carbohydrate content
* Nutrient information
* Protein content
* Percent daily value of the food item

"According to the FDA, the percent daily value is key to a balanced diet," says Dr. Polinski. "It provides information on whether a food is high or low in a nutrient, along with total fat content, so they can compare the daily value percentage for total fat in each food product to see which one is higher or lower in that nutrient."

 

Other things to keep in mind are:

* Fat-free doesn't mean calorie free.
* Serving size is not the same as portion size.
* To help reduce risk of heart disease, select foods that are low in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol.
* Not all carbohydrates are bad - those coming from fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains are healthy and can reduce the risk of heart disease and improve digestion.

 

In addition, Dr. Polinski says the largest cardiovascular benefit may be derived from lowering trans-fatty acids from processed foods in the diet.

 

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Polinski or another Cleveland Clinic cardiologist, call 330.287.4500. Cleveland Clinic offers same-day appointments. For more information about food labels, go to www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines.

 

 
 
 

 
 
Upcoming Healthy Medina Activities
June 4 - August 6 - Thursday Evening Meet Ups
Enjoy a variety of outdoor recreational activities in the Medina City Parks including Disc Golf, Bocce Ball, Croquet, Tennis a more!

August 3 - August 9 - Fair Week Healthy Eating Mini Challenge
Join in the fun as we search for healthy options at the Fair!

Register Now for the full year of activities!
Cost: $20/MCRC members    $25/Non members
Receive a free pedometer, water bottle, and sports bag for all registered participants.
 
SIGN UP FOR THESE SUMMER CAMPS

 
 
Around the Rec
Private Swimming Lessons
Due to the high demand for Private Swimming Lessons, registrations have been closed.

Parking Lot Update

MCRC is in the final stages of finalizing the contract with ODNR for the additional (8-9) handicapped parking spaces. The Medina City Engineering department is estimating they will have them installed by the end of Fall.

In This Issue
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GENERAL FACILITY HOURS
Monday thru Friday
5:30a-10:00p
Saturday  8:00a-8:00p
Sunday 10:00a-6:00p

SUMMER HOURS
Memorial Day - Labor Day
Monday thru Friday
5:30a-9:00p
Saturday  8:00a-6:00p
Sunday 10:00a-6:00p

The MCRC Operating Calendar does not correspond with the Medina School District Calendar. The MCRC will remain open for business during school vacations, teacher in-service days, some holidays and snow/calamity days.
MCRC STAFF
Mike Wright
Recreation Center Director

Susan Becks

Recreation Leader

Darlene Donkin
Aquatics Manager

Maureen Dowell

Programs Specialist

Kurt Gehring

Recreation Supervisor

Nita Justice

Programs Manager

Michelle Kwiatkowski

Office Administrator

Linda Loveless

Marketing Coordinator

Christy Moats

Finance Assistant

Sandy Tomazic

Rental Coordinator

Julie Worsdall

Pool Manager
CONTACT US: 
330-721-6900 
 
 
Comments? Suggestions? Concerns?

MCRC CALENDAR OF EVENTS  

MAY
15 - @ 10:30 am - Senior Lecture & Lunch Series - The Wild World of Birds of Prey! Laura Jordan, Medina Raptor Center. It is always a special presentation when the Medina Raptor Center brings out the birds of prey and helps us understand about these majestic creatures. This is one you won't want to miss! ( A $2 per persona donation is suggested to go directly to support the birds of the Medina Raptor Center). Lunch provided by Life Care Center of Medina.
19-21  - Babysitter Training Course - American Red Cross Course - learn to make good decisions, solve problems and handle emergencies. Tues/Thurs 4:30-8:30pm - $55/MCRC members, $60/Non-members

JUNE
16-18 - Babysitter Training Course - American Red Cross Course - learn to make good decisions, solve problems and handle emergencies. Tues/Thurs 9:00a-1:00p - $55/MCRC members, $60/Non-members

For information on these events and how to register, click here to view the MCRC program brochure.