We are quite lucky to have many progressive health and wellness entities throughout the region. They all work to make sure that we stay safe and happy and the resources that they provide are top quality and readily available. ValpoLife is proud to work with all of our health partners and share their stories with you. As 2014 comes to an end, let's take a look at the best of what the year had to offer from our partners and the community.
Below are the Top 10 Health Articles of 2014!
1. Around Four Thousand Trot in Fifth Annual Turkey Trot
2014-Turkey-trot-1In Valparaiso, Thanksgiving isn't just about the food. The Fifth Annual Turkey Trot, a race that has become a holiday tradition for many people in the area, made its way through the snowy Valparaiso streets on Thursday morning. The 5k and 10k race, which grows each year, topped out at 4,000 runners this time around which makes it the biggest race in Northwest Indiana.
2. Valparaiso University's SALT Hosts Colorful Run for a Cause
Color exploded onto Valparaiso University's campus on Saturday morning. The second annual SALT Color for a Cause 5K couldn't have been on a better day. The sun was shining, the wind blew in full force covering the runners in an extra layer of chalk, and the runners were loving it all.
3. Porter Regional Hospital Hosts 3rd Annual Healthy Hustle
Porter Regional Hospital held their third annual Healthy Hustle 5K Run and Walk on a bright and beautiful Saturday morning. The event was held at Valparaiso's Sunset Hill Farm and around 200 participants came to run, walk, and compete for the good of their health.
4. Rodney Beckner Named Porter Regional Hospital's Associate of the Year
Each year Porter Regional Hospital takes time to recognize some of its associates that go above and beyond the normal expectations of their job requirements. This year, the associate being recognized for reliability and a high sense of ownership is Rodney Beckner.
5. Runners Take Advantage of Tuesday Tuneups at Extra Mile
With summer all but here, runners have already started putting in extra hours to train for the marathons of their choice. Extra Mile Fitness in Valparaiso has been helping those runners with their Tuesday Tune Ups, sessions held in their store on Tuesday nights. Offering advice, tips, and support to those training for the 2014 Chicago Marathon (or just marathons in general), the staff has offered prizes to those in attendance and invited special guest speakers to help their curious runners.
6. Porter Health Care System Breaks Ground for New Expansion at Valparaiso Medical Center
A beautiful fall day in Valparaiso was made a little brighter with a special ceremony that promises more care to the community. Porter Health Care System's senior management, its board members, and community leaders gathered in front of the Valparaiso Medical Center to participate in a ground breaking ceremony for the new expansion that is expected to open in fall of 2015. This will be a freestanding ER that will be accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
7. Avalon Springs Celebrates Two Great Years
With decadent food and friends, Avalon Springs Health Campus kick-started their two year anniversary on Tuesday. After a great two years of serving their clients, the staff at Avalon Springs celebrated their success with an elegant evening shared with each other.
8. Kent's Run Makes it to Lucky Number 7
The morning of May 24 meant a lot to many. It was the 7th Annual Kent's Run. The race was created to preserve the memory of Kent Ribordy, a student at Boone Grove High School who ran track and cross country and was loved by all that knew him. Ribordy was diagnosed with leukemia and passed away his freshman year. But his life is remembered and celebrated each year during Kent's Run.
9. High School Students Gather "Around the Table" to Promote a Drug-Free, Healthy Lifestyle
"To provide opportunities that foster interpersonal engagement, compassionate dialogue and resilient relationships in all sectors of the Porter County community." This mission statement summarizes the ideals of Empower Porter County's new youth initiative "Around the Table".
10. At the "Heart" of All
It's American Heart Month! Thursday evening marked the beginning of a series of heart-healthy programs presented by Porter Regional Health. Terri Gingerich, the Cardiovascular Service Line Director, helped explain why this event – and the others in the series throughout the month – are important.
