Health & Wellness Article - April 2012
by Marge Coalman, EdD, Touchmark Vice President, Wellness & Programs
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” —Anne Frank
The month of April brings a number of important occasions to celebrate. Most familiar are the religious commemorations of Easter and Passover, but there are other memorable celebrations to take note of that may be less familiar. April 7 is World Health Day; April 15 - 22 is Volunteer Recognition Week in North America; and April 22 is the international recognition of Earth Day. What difference do any of these days mean to residents and team members of Touchmark communities.
World Health Day is an annual celebration of the World Health Organization. This year, for the first time, the focus is on healthy aging: “Good health adds life to years.” To find out more about the international theme and planning go to the WHO Website. Touchmark's Full Life program focuses on supporting healthy lifestyle choices and making them available through events and activities for residents year round. It is our commitment to emphasize adding quality of life to one’s years over the life span.
Touchmark communities also celebrate and honor the many volunteers who support programs and services at Touchmark communities. Residents, team members, family members, and others from the community at large all dedicate talents, hours of service, and resources to the well-being of Touchmark residents. Outreach to the greater community is also a focus of residents and team members, who participate in civic engagement in the neighborhoods, churches, schools, hospitals, and charities of their choice. The mutual giving and sharing is a core value of the Full Life program.
Earth Day gives us the opportunity to support and sustain the environment through projects and efforts on this annual day of service and celebration, which honors the planet we all share. This planet is our legacy to the future generations. The goal for this year's international celebration of awareness is “a billion acts of green™.”
To participate in any or all of these events and celebrations, contact a member of Touchmark's Full Life team. Each one of us can be part of the change we want to see in the world. And we don’t have to wait a single moment before getting involved and making a difference.
