Friday March 29, 2024
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Thousands of cyclists, walkers, canoeists and kayakers will hit the streets and the Ohio River on Labor Day, Sept. 4, for the 26th Subway Fresh Fit Hike, Bike & Paddle at Waterfront Park.

“What better way to mark the end of the summer and the Labor Day holiday than in the company of your friends, family and neighbors, at our beautiful waterfront,” said Mayor Greg Fischer. “I invite everyone to come out, meet some new friends, and have fun!”

Subway Restaurants is the title sponsor of Hike, Bike & Paddle, with presenting sponsors, Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated, Norton Healthcare and Neil Huffman Subaru and contributing sponsor, Academy Sports + Outdoors.

“SUBWAY Restaurants are proud to once again be the title sponsor of the SUBWAY Fresh Fit Hike, Bike & Paddle events.  We will be distributing $2.50 gift cards to participants that can be used on their next visit to SUBWAY.  Don’t miss this great family activity and a chance to explore the waterfront” said Doug Messmore, Louisville SUBWAY Board Chair.

“Coca-Cola Consolidated is proud to be a presenting sponsor of the Mayor’s Hike, Bike and Paddle activity on Labor Day.  Coca-Cola strongly believes in providing consumers a variety of choices that fit their needs, which is why we offer many great-tasting beverages that are no or low calorie, in a variety of package sizes,” said Brian Outland, Vice-President of Retails Sales for the Coca-Cola Consolidated.

“Norton Healthcare is pleased to continue our support of the Mayor’s Hike, Bike & Paddle,” said Russell F. Cox, president and chief executive officer, Norton Healthcare.  “This is a great event and a wonderful example of our shared commitment to improving the health and wellness of our community.”

“Neil Huffman Subaru, part of the Neil Huffman Automotive Group, is proud to be a seven-year sponsor of Mayor Fischer’s Annual Hike, Bike and Paddle.  As a family-owned and operated business, we value the healthy initiatives the Mayor Fischer has taken to keep the community ‘on the move’ for years to come,” said Dow Huffman, Managing Partner, Neil Huffman Automotive Group.

Paddlers will begin their adventurous five-mile course at 10 a.m., taking their canoes and kayaks through the McAlpine Locks and Dam to the Jaycees Boat Ramp in New Albany. Participants will launch their canoes or kayaks at the ramp located at the Harbor Lawn of Waterfront Park. Paddlers can drop their boats off at the “Green” parking lot near River Road and Witherspoon Street from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Police and safety boats will be nearby during the paddling activity, and all participants will have assistance if needed in launching their canoe or kayak. Paddle participants must wear a life jacket and carry a noise making device.

After the event, TARC will offer a shuttle service for paddlers to retrieve their vehicles at the launch site.

For cyclists, a 9.5-mile route will leave Waterfront Park and go west through the Portland Stroll District and head back to Waterfront Park. Turnoffs will provide cycling routes as short as two miles.

The hiking route, which is wheelchair-accessible, will take walkers west along the waterfront, along portions of the Riverwalk and wharf to 10th Street and back. Walkers can bring their dogs on the hike, but must keep them on a leash and pick up waste, as required by law.

Louisville YMCA staff will lead the hike. Both the cycling and walking routes will be marked, and there will be water stops at the halfway points to refill water bottles. The Louisville Bicycle Club and Scheller’s Fitness and Cycle are providing “bike captains” to help cyclists obey the rules of the road.

“Bike doctors” will be in Waterfront Park before the ride and along the route to assist cyclists with any equipment problems. Louisville Metro Police will provide traffic assistance at key intersections, and the Louisville Metro EMS bicycle team will patrol the route. All cyclists are asked to remain behind the lead police vehicles.

More than 50 vendors and information booths will open at 8:30 a.m. at Waterfront Park.  Again, patrons will have the opportunity to try their hand at stand-up paddle boarding until 1 p.m.

Yoga, Tai Chi and Zumba demonstrations will be offered, along with group participation.

Beginning at 8:30 a.m. there will be 3,000 free T-shirts for those who arrive early and complete a brief survey. The Brain Injury Association will distribute 500 helmets to riders who don’t have one. Neil Huffman Subaru will be giving away a free bicycle and kayak at the event.  Participants are encouraged to be “green” and bring their own water bottles which they will be able to fill at Waterfront Park and at various water stations along the routes, as part of Louisville Water’s Pure Tap To Go.

This is the 13th year for the Hike, Bike & Paddle events, which are held each Memorial Day and Labor Day. The events are part of the city’s Healthy Hometown Movement, created to encourage Louisville residents to be more active and make healthier lifestyle choices. To view interactive route maps and for more information, go to hikebikeandpaddle.org.

Already know you’re coming? RSVP on our Facebook event page. And don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Instagram @AroundLou!

Additional support is provided by River City Paddlesports INC., Outfront Media, 106.9 Play, Scheller’s Fitness & Cycling, Louisville Water Company and the YMCA.

Olmsted Parks Conservancy offers in-depth training for individuals who want to exercise their mind and body while helping the Frederick Law Olmsted Parks. Those interested will learn how to identify a variety of plants, best practices for invasive plant removal, proper planting techniques, the history of the Frederick Law Olmsted Parks and more!

Once trained these “Park Stewards” are volunteers who extend an extra hand to help in the Olmsted-design parks, restoring natural areas; improving general park landscapes; helping to lead other volunteers in projects; and helping with community outreach.

Volunteers looking for a way to get involved with their community need only be over 18 years old and be ready to enjoy learning more about their city’s Olmsted Parks.

Louisvillian Jane Tyler has been a Park Steward since 2012. Tyler said, “Volunteering in the Olmsted Parks allows me the opportunity to learn, be involved, make new friends and stay in close contact with Louisville’s beautiful natural surroundings.”

An information session to learn about the Park Steward training will be Tuesday, August 15, 2017 6:30pm-7:30pm. The three Saturday training sessions will begin August 19, 2017. The first two sessions will be held at the Conservancy’s office located on 1299 Trevilian Way.  The third will be a hands-on park tour. For more information and to register, contact Sarah Wolff at sarah.wolff@olmstedparks.org or (502) 456-1623.

Photo: Neighborhood Place

Neighborhood Place partners offer resources to help expectant parents and enhance fathers’ roles as well as an information session about becoming a foster parent. To learn more about these offerings and several others please refer to the list below.

Also six back to school events remain in early August featuring free school supplies, sponsored by Neighborhood Place and numerous community partners.

Two Opportunities for “4 Your Child – Dads Making the Difference” workshop series

For more information and to register, contact Dr. Cheri Langley at (502) 709-9323.  “4 Your Child” is an eight-week fatherhood program that aims to improve the quantity and quality of fathers’ involvement by integrating responsible parenting, economic stability, and relationship education services.  Participants may be compensated for their time up to $220 but registration is required.

  • Sat., Aug. 5 – Sept 19, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd., 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
  • Sat., Aug. 5 – Sept. 23, Charmoli Neighborhood Place, 200 Juneau Dr., 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Aug. 2 and 16, Legal Aid Office Hours at South Central Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Located at 4255 Hazelwood Ave. Call 485-7130 for more information. A Legal Aid Society staff member will be on hand to answer questions, talk about cases that Legal Aid handles and provide referrals.

Aug.  8, Foster Parent Recruitment Meeting at First Neighborhood Place, 6 – 8 p.m.

Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School.  Call 595-5437 (KIDS) for more information.  Detailed information will be provided on the requirements and process of how to become a foster or adoptive parent.  Information such as an explanation of foster care, special needs adoption, and information on foster parent training classes will be provided.  Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the training classes will be provided.  Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the Special Needs Adoption Program.

Aug. 9 and 10, A Healthy Journey for Two Educational Baby Shower

For more information and to RSVP, contact Mendy Mason at 502-341-5400.  A Healthy Journey for Two is an educational baby shower open to any expectant mothers.  The class will include a range of information and resources, as well as free baby items, gift cards, prizes, and snacks.  Hosted by Seven Counties and KIDSNow.  Fathers are welcome but must be registered.

  • Aug. 9, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 1 – 3 p.m.
  • Aug. 10, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd., 1 – 3 p.m.

Aug. 10, Becoming Weight Wise at South Central Neighborhood Place, 12 – 1 p.m.

Located at 4255 Hazelwood Ave. Call 313-4089 for more information. It’s not easy to manage body weight. This course will allow self-discovery, skill building and support can help you learn about weight control. This program is based on approaches that are promising ways to achieve better health. Sponsored by Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness.

Aug. 14, Sodexo Hiring Opportunities at South Central Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Located at 4255 Hazelwood Ave. Call 574-4516 for more information.  Sodexo, a food-service agency, will provide on-the-spot interviews for positions with Jewish Hospital, Our Lady of Peace and University of Louisville Hospital. Bring your resume and be prepared for an interview.  This is one of Sodexo’s busiest hiring seasons.  Stop by if you are looking for employment that can lead to a full-time or part-time position.

As part of the 52 Weeks of Public Health campaign, the  Department for Public Health, located within the Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS),  urges the public to take steps to avoid injury and illness during  periods of extreme summertime heat, particularly dangers associated with leaving children in vehicles.

“Extreme temperatures are cause for concern, so we advise the public to take necessary steps to keep cool and prevent harm,” said Hiram C. Polk Jr., MD, DPH commissioner. “Serious injury – particularly for children exposed to extreme levels of heat – can occur. Everyone should take steps to avoid these dangers.”

According to Kids and Cars, an organization that works to raise awareness of the dangers of leaving children in hot vehicles, 39 children died last year due to heatstroke – medically termed “hyperthermia”.

“We want all our citizens to understand the dangers of extreme heat, particularly the danger of leaving children in hot cars,” continued Dr. Polk. “Not only are extreme temperatures uncomfortable, they also present a significant health danger. This is particularly true for vulnerable populations such as young children and the elderly.”

Several measures are recommended to prevent these types of deaths from occurring. They include:

  • Create reminders.  More than half of child heat stroke deaths occur because parents and caregivers become distracted and exit their vehicle without their child. To help prevent these tragedies parents can:
    • Place a cell phone, PDA, purse, briefcase, gym bag or something that is needed at your next stop on the floor in front of a child in a backseat. This will help you see your child when you open the rear door and reach for your belongings.
    • Set the alarm on your cell phone as a reminder to you to drop your child off at day care.
    • Set your computer calendar program to ask, “Did you drop off at day care today?”
    • Establish a plan with your day care that if your child fails to arrive within an agreed upon time, you will be called. Be especially mindful of your child if you change your routine for day care.
  • Don’t underestimate the risk.  The inside of vehicles can quickly heat up, even on relatively cool days, so you should never leave your child alone in a car. Don’t underestimate the risks and leave them even “just for a minute.”
  • Lock cars and trucks. Thirty percent of the recorded heat stroke deaths in the U.S. occur because a child was playing in an unattended vehicle. These deaths can be prevented by simply locking the vehicle doors to help assure that kids don’t enter the vehicles and become trapped.
  • Immediately dial 911 if you see an unattended child in a car.  EMS professionals are trained to determine if a child is in trouble. The body temperature of children rises three to five times faster than adults. As a result, children are much more vulnerable to heat stroke. Check vehicles and trunks first if a child is missing.

Additional tips are recommended to avoid other heat-related injury and illness:

  • Drink plenty of fluids. Increase your normal fluid intake regardless of your activity level. You will need to drink more fluids than your thirst level indicates. This is especially true for people age 65 or older who often have a decreased ability to respond to external temperature changes. In addition, avoid drinking beverages containing alcohol, because they will actually cause you to lose more fluid.
  • Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen. Choose lightweight, light colored, loose fitting clothing. In the hot sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat that will provide shade and keep the head cool. Sunscreen should be SPF 15 or greater and applied 30 minutes before going out into the sun.
  • Stay cool indoors. The most efficient way to beat the heat is to stay in an air-conditioned area. If you do not have an air conditioner, consider visiting a mall or public library.
  • Schedule outdoor activities carefully. If you must be out in the heat, try to plan your activities so that you are outdoors either before noon or in the evening. Rest periodically so your body’s thermostat will have a chance to recover.
  • Use a buddy system. When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness.
  • Monitor those at high risk. Those at greatest risk of heat-related illness include:
    • Infants and children up to 4 years of age
    • People 65 years of age or older
    • People who are overweight
    • People who overexert during work or exercise
    • People who are ill or on certain medications for blood pressure or diuretics

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and several community partners will offer free HIV testing June 25 through June 30 in observance of National HIV Testing Week.

Testing will be done using the Clearview rapid HIV antibody test. Test results will be available within 20 minutes.  No appointments are necessary.

“Of the 1.1 million people living with HIV in the U.S., at least one in five don’t know they have it,” said Dr. Sarah Moyer, Medical Director of the Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness.  “More than 90 percent of new HIV infections in the United States could be prevented by testing and diagnosing people living with HIV and making sure they receive early, ongoing treatment.  We encourage people to join us this week and get tested.  Knowing your HIV status is an important step to a healthier life.”

A list of testing sites and locations can be found at www.louisvilleky.gov/health.

photo: Jamesmac96

The KFC Yum! Center, in partnership with the YMCA of Greater Louisville, will host “Fit Tuesday” exercise classes on the arena’s Norton Healthcare Plaza every Tuesday evening at 5:45PM from June 6-August 29. No classed will be held July 4 or 11. The 45-50 minute complimentary classes will be taught by certified fitness instructors from the YMCA and are open to people of all ages and fitness levels. Advance registration is not required and participants do not need to bring any equipment, though an exercise mat, water bottle and sweat towel are recommended for most classes.

iHeart Media’s 100.5 Kiss-FM will play music for each class, conduct prize giveaways and give guests a chance to meet their favorite on-air radio personalities.

Class Schedule:

  • June 6 – Dance Fitness
  • August 1 – Turbokick
  • June 13 – Boot Camp
  • August 8 – Zumba
  • June 20 – Insanity
  • August 15 – POUND
  • June 27 – POUND
  • August 22 – Yoga
  • July 18 – POUND
  • August 29 – Boot Camp
  • July 25 – Zumba

“We’re excited to bring Fit Tuesdays to our plaza,” said Dennis Petrullo, General Manager of the KFC Yum! Center. “Creating unique events to keep the community engaged with the KFC Yum! Center is important to us so this opportunity for area residents and visitors to exercise together and enjoy Downtown Louisville helps us meet that goal.”

“This partnership provides a great opportunity for the Y to enhance our focus of improving the health and well-being of our community,” said Steve Tarver, President and CEO, YMCA of Greater Louisville.  “Group fitness classes are fun and offer a great way for residents to connect.  Providing free classes is a perfect way to extend the Y’s mission of building healthy spirit, mind and body for ALL.”

For more information, visit www.kfcyumcenter.com.

Photo: Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness

The Louisville Metro Department of Public Health and Wellness and its community partners are offering free stop smoking classes using the American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking® (FFS) program.  The 8-session program includes weekly support group meetings combined with the use of nicotine replacement products such as patches and gum.  Participants receive free supplies of nicotine replacement products.

Advance registration for Freedom From Smoking® classes is required.  There are several ways to register: by phone 574 – STOP (574-7867), email StopSmoking@louisvilleky.gov or online.

Below is a list of upcoming classes that begin in May and June.

May 4 – June 15

  • Thursdays, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
  • Norton Healthcare Pat Harrison Resource Center
  • 1203 Spring Street Jeffersonville, IN

May 9 – June 20

  • Tuesdays, 12:00-1:00 p.m.
  • Sullivan University College of Pharmacy
  • 2100 Gardiner Ln., Study Rooms C/C

May 9 – June 20

  • Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
  • Southwest YMCA
  • 2800 Fordhaven Rd.

May 16 – June 27

  • Tuesdays, 2:00 -3:30 p.m.
  • Norton Brownsboro Medical Building
  • 4950 Norton Healthcare Boulevard., 3rd floor., Conference Room A

May 16  -June 27

  • Tuesdays, 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
  • Family Health Centers East Broadway
  • 834 East Broadway,  2nd floor

June 5 – July 17

  • Mondays, 5:30 -7:00 p.m.
  • Norton Health & Wellness Center
  • 1000 DuPont Rd.

June 5 – July 17

  • Mondays, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
  • Family Health Centers Portland
  • 2215 Portland Ave., 4th floor

June 7 – July 26

  • Wednesdays, 1:30- 3:30 p.m.
  • Shively Area Ministries
  • 4415 Dixie Highway
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