Physical activity is important for cancer survivors — specifically, for weight control, better quality of life, reduced risk of cancer recurrence or progression, and increased likelihood of survival — according to research out of the National Cancer Institute.
Beth Machnica, Healthy Communities Catalyst with the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC), understands the importance of staying active. She promotes that message to Buffalo residents and works to improve access to healthy, affordable foods and opportunities for daily physical activity.
The goal: to create a healthy, safe and livable community. It’s all part of the BNMC’s mission “to be a leader in promoting healthy, active living in our community. While people primarily think of this as a place to treat illness, we are actively engaged in creating a culture of health and wellness on our campus and throughout our community.”
With financial support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and partners, the BNMC launched three programs: Active Living by Design, Healthy Eating by Design and Healthy Kids, Healthy Communities. Those programs have helped the BNMC lead the way in creating healthy communities, and the organization now offers free activities for the Buffalo community.
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Sign up!Many of those programs and events are open to the public. If you’re looking for fun ways to lead a healthier lifestyle, check these out:
- Free yoga outdoors — Every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., through August 23, in Colby Park, across from the Wyndham Garden Hotel on High Street.
- Walks on Wednesdays – Lunchtime walks every Wednesday, 12:10-12:40 p.m., through Aug. 30, starting in Kaminski Park at Roswell Park, Elm & Carlton streets. A different route & walk leader every time. Held in conjunction with the Wellness Institute.
- Market in the Park at Roswell Park — Every Wednesday, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., through September. Vendors sell fresh local produce, garden plants, ready-to-eat foods and gift items in Kaminski Park, next to the hospital. (Limited vendors in August.)
- MAP Mobile Market — Every Friday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., through October, at the Moot Community Center, 292 High Street. Also features health and wellness programs.
- Nutrition and gardening workshops — Thursdays, 5-7 p.m., throughout the summer, at the Pelion Garden on Best Street, across from City Honors High School. Open to employees, patients, and the community.
Learn more about how BNMC programs help keep our community healthy.
