Healthy Family FunFest on Feb. 25 promotes healthy living

SOUTHINGTON – Healthy Family FunFest, Southington’s most popular event focused on health and wellness, is set for Sunday, Feb. 25, providing resources and interactive activities centered on living life to the fullest. This free festival, which each year attracts thousands of visitors, will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Aqua Turf Club, 556 Mulberry St., Plantsville.

Health professionals, medical experts and community members will provide a wealth of information that can benefit individuals of all ages. Offerings include free health screenings, demonstrations, educational materials, giveaways, chance drawings and special activities focused on:

• Healthy Minds
• Aging Well
• Women’s Health
• Sports Medicine/Rehabilitation
• Kids of All Ages
• Mindful Eating

Healthy Minds: Experts will offer insights into mental and behavioral health topics including substance abuse, memory loss and the aging brain, and eradicating associated stereotypes and stigmas. Screenings, interactive demonstrations, pet therapy, resources and other activities designed to “boost” the brain will be showcased.

Aging Well: Presenters will provide information about geriatric medicine, memory loss, exercise, assisted services, senior living communities and Hartford HealthCare Center for Healthy Aging, a resource and assessment center specifically for seniors and their caregivers.

Women’s Health: Health issues specific to females will be featured including essential screenings, cancer prevention, exercise and parenting.

Mindful Eating: Eating well is the foundation of good health for people of every age. Among those demonstrating delicious healthier eating are LEAF (Lewis Educational Agricultural Farm) and numerous vendors offering education, cooking tips, products and food samples.

Sports Medicine: Regular activity – whether on a recreational or competitive level - can boost wellness. Professionals will share ideas on incorporating movement into the daily lifestyle whether it is something as simple as walking or enjoying outdoor family fun, or more challenging activities such as martial arts. Fitness specialists will provide guidance on proper techniques to prevent injuries and increase results as well as offer information about how physical rehabilitation can enhance the recovery from injury or a surgery.

Kids’ Area: Presented by the Southington Community YMCA, exciting activities will include friendly competitions, try-your-skill games, inflatables and gymnastics. Adults will be able to learn about Amber Alert, child car seat safety, early childhood education, pediatric health, and supportive programs including Southington STEPS and Southington Youth Services. Children will get to meet character mascots and explore emergency vehicles.

This year’s premiere sponsor is the Bradley H. Barnes & Leila U. Barnes Memorial Trust at Main Street Community Foundation and the event is presented by Hartford HealthCare and the Southington Community YMCA.

For the latest information, visit https://hartfordhealthcare.org/health-wellness/healthy-family-funfest; or call the Healthy Family FunFest coordinator at 860.378.1268.