Health and Wellness

“A HEALTHY ATTITUDE IS CONTAGIOUS BUT DON’T WAIT TO CATCH IT FROM OTHERS. BE A CARRIER.” – TOM STOPPARD

The GFWC Health and Wellness Community Service Program is designed to inform members of issues that affect the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. To improve our well-being, we must address three key components: 1) Nutrition, 2) Disease prevention, and 3) Physical and emotional care. This Community Service Program aims to explore the various opportunities for awareness and advancement of each of these vital areas. The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.” Wellness has been described as an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life. Wellness is a dynamic process of change and growth. Consider projects that address issues that promote healthy lifestyles, and mental health awareness.

So, let’s Get Fit Within our Communities – fit in body, in mind, and in spirit. Educate, practice, and promote the three fundamental areas of this Community Service Program.

2024-2026 GFWC-NC Health and Wellness CSP Chairman: Donna Harrell

2024-2026 GFWC-NC Health and Wellness Junior CSP Chairman: Mary Lewis

COMMUNITY CONNECTION INITIATIVE: Caregivers’ Circle

Regular physical activity – aerobic, muscle strengthening, and balance training – is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Regardless of age, abilities, ethnicity, shape, or size everyone can experience the benefits of physical activity. Considering the facts provided, GFWC clubs are encouraged to plan a year-long project that will promote physical activity for any age group.

Partner with a home improvement store and other service organizations such as a Lions Club or Boy Scouts to purchase and build playground equipment for a shelter or special needs facility.
Partner with a sports store to provide fitness apparatus for a senior center or nursing home and sponsor classes in their use.
Plan a fitness trail in your community.
Partner with a shopping mall to sponsor walking clubs which include weekly or monthly physical fitness and nutrition presentations.
Work with local schools to implement the Presidential Youth Fitness Program in their curriculum.

PROJECT IDEAS

Provide “Physical Funding” for mental health programs.
Celebrate National Nutrition Month in March with a healthy potluck dinner at your club’s monthly meeting. Or, organize a community event, such as a “Recipe Makeover Contest,” which transforms a favorite dish by cutting calories and increasing its nutritional value.
Invite a local nutritionist to provide a club program on eating healthy. Establish/expand a community or school garden to provide fresh and nutritious produce for local soup kitchens and food pantries.
Promote nutrition during the Fruits and Veggies – More Matters Month in September.
Learn about and share information on social media about National Health Observances such as Save Your Vision Month (March), and Childhood Cancer Awareness Month (September). To find a comprehensive list, visit Health.gov.
Provide care items for cancer patients, such warm blankets and socks, moisturizers and lip balm, water and hard candy, and diversions such as books, magazines, crossword puzzles, and more.
Support the six NC Developmental and Neuro-Medical Treatment Centers; Contact Holly Coleman for more information, or other facilities in your area for the mentally or physically challenged.

HISTORY

1937 – Endorsed and supported passage of the Social Security Act and introduced Child Labor Act.
1949 – Children’s Clothing Closet adopted as State Junior Project in conjunction with the State Board of Public Welfare.
1986 – The Alzheimer’s Disease Special Project raised $10,000 for research for the Duke Medical Center.
1990 – Clubwomen Against Narcotics Special Project increases advocacy in the fight against drugs.
1998 – Special aid given to victims across the state and country from floods following Hurricane Floyd.