Marshfield School Forest Open House a Success
Physical Activity Committee members supported Marshfield Area Ski Touring Foundation's Open House on Sunday, January 7. Committee members helped promote the event and volunteered to help park cars, offer tours, and greet visitors. The event was a great way to inform the community about winter activities within the area, as well as give new visitors to the school forest a chance to learn about the trails and opportunities there. There was a great turn out this year and the weather couldn't have cooperated more. The Sports Den was also there to offer fat bike demos and guided tours through the forest. MASTF members and Healthy Lifestyles volunteers ensured the event was fun, safe, and successful. We look forward to working with MASTF to promote physical activities again next winter!
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| Two snowshoers head to a trailhead at the Marshfield School Forest. |
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Healthy Lifestyles Volunteer Opportunities
Now is a great time to become more involved in your community by volunteering for the Healthy Lifestyles - Marshfield Area Coalition (HL-MAC). We have volunteer opportunities for every interest. Help with a one-time event like the upcoming Local Food Expo or Bike Rodeo. If you enjoy promoting a healthy lifestyle to your friends and co-workers, consider the Coalition Champion position. There are also opportunities to help Marshfield Clinic Youth Net afterschool students in the Garden Buds program. If you are interested in learning more, you can find all of our volunteer positions at
volunteermarshfield.org , or contact George Bloome at
[email protected] or 715-221-8400.
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Coming later this year: Farm Tech Days and Wisconsin Healthy Communities Designation
In mid-January, we sent an email asking coalition members if they could commit time to be involved in Farm Technology Days or applying for the Wisconsin Healthiest Community Designation. Our coalition members are so generous with their time - we had a great response!
HL-MAC will be in Marshfield Clinic Health System's 'Innovation Square' at Farm Technology Days July 10-12. We are looking for booth ideas that will show the great work we're doing: community gardens, cooking demos, or bike safety, perhaps? If you have any ideas, we'd love to hear them!
A Letter of Interest in the Wisconsin Healthy Communities Designation
will be sent in the next few weeks. We'll know in March if we are invited to apply for the designation. We'll keep you posted.
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Learn about Marshfield's local food movement at the 3rd annual Local Food Expo!
This event allows local farmers to showcase their products, while providing education to the public about their farm, products, and the many benefits of buying local foods. The Local Food Expo will take place on Thursday, March 15 at First Presbyterian Church (200 S. Lincoln Ave.). For more information please visit the
Facebook event page.
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Should you exercise when sick?
It's that time of year again; the sneezing, coughing, wheezing season is upon us. So what do you do when you're reaching for your gym bag and feel that tickle in the back of your throat or your nose starts to run while you're lacing up your running shoes? Should you "tough it out" or make camp on the couch for the weekend? Will getting your workout in keep you sick, or can it actually help speed up your recovery?
The first thing to consider about this question is the kind of symptoms that you are experiencing and the severity.
One rule of thumb is "the neck check"
- If your symptoms are above the neck (sore throat, nasal congestion, sneezing, and tearing eyes), then it may be safe to exercise at low intensities.
- However, if your symptoms are below the neck (coughing, body aches, fever, and fatigue), it's best to wait until these symptom
 s subside or you could be at increased risk of breathing problems, dehydration, dizziness, and fainting.
Should exercise just be avoided?
Not necessarily, low intensity exercise can actually help stimulate your immune system when you are sick. However, high intensity or long duration exercise sessions can interfere with immune function. This means two things when you are sick: vigorous exercise can make your sickness worse, and other gym goers will be more susceptible to your illness.
So if you are sick, but feel good enough for exercise, great! But it may be better to do so at home or outside (in mild conditions). Follow these suggestions to keep moving while feeling under the weather:
Activities to consider when you're sick:
(Low intensity movements that keep your heart rate low)
- Walking or Light Jogging
- Tai Chi, Yoga, or other mobility work
Activities to avoid when you're sick:
- Heavy Strength Training
- Endurance Training
- Sprinting
- Team Sports
- Exercising in Extreme Conditions (heat, cold, wind)
Talk to your primary care provider before starting a new fitness program and if any illness related symptoms worsen. If you attempt exercise when sick, be cautious of symptoms like dizziness and weakness that signal you to stop.
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Upcoming Community Events
WinterFest| Saturday, February 24, RiverEdge Golf Course, 10171 Mill Creek Rd., Marshfield WI. 54449
This is a fun family friendly event with something for everyone. Winter races include a 5K fat tire bike, cross country, and snowshoe events. Following the races will be a Baggo Tournament and Live Music. Refreshments will be available all day during the events. For more information, call Jill Holms at 715-486-5455 or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/570195926650209/
Freezin' for a Reason
| Saturday, February 3, Anchor Bay bar & Grill, 3460 Biron Dr, Biron WI. 54494
It's a Polar Dash with a Splash! Break a sweat jaunting through the woods during the Snowshoe Run/Walk, or amp it up with the unbelievable experience of participating in the Freezin' for a Reason event then taking the Polar Plunge!
Visit http://polarplungewi.org/freezin-reason-snowshoe-runwalk/ for more details.
Athens Udder Snowshoe Race
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Saturday, February 3, Erbach Park, Athens, WI. 54411
The Udder Snowshoe Race and Tour has been a winter highlight in the Athens community for many years! This year's event will feature a 5K Run/Walk or a 10K competitive run through the pristine forest of Erbach Park. The trails are usually in great shape (snow conditions variable) and are flat and fast. First timers encouraged to give it a try!
https://www.facebook.com/events/150772295543531/
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Committee Meeting Schedule
All are welcome!
For more information, visit our calendar.
Unless noted, all meetings are held at Marshfield Clinic Center for Community Outreach (CCO), 1701 North Fig Ave., Marshfield, WI 54449
The Nutrition Committee meets on the 1st Wednesday of the month from 12:00pm-1:00pm.
The Garden Subcommittee meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month from 8:30am - 9:30am.
The Physical Activity Committee meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month from
11:00am-12:00pm.
School Wellness Committee meeting dates vary, but usually occur at the Marshfield High School from 3:30pm to 4:30pm
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