Join in Erickson HealthSM Quest
By Julia Boyle
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
From May 21 to 27, hundreds of people at 16 Erickson communities across the nation participated in the Erickson Health Quest. The communities competed against each other for who had the most participants, but the real contest was personal.
The quest consisted of 16 physical, mental, and nutritional challenges that represent each Erickson community that is currently open.
Promoting healthy lifestyles
“We’re trying to promote that there’s more to a healthy lifestyle than running on a treadmill or lifting weights,” says Regina Kamenel, Seabrook’s wellness coordinator. “Exercise, healthy eating, relaxation, meditation, yoga, massage, mental stimulation, and social engagement are all part of a healthy lifestyle and are all available in our communities.”
The Erickson wellness team designed the quest to include everyone who wants to participate. “It’s not just for fitness center members; it’s for everyone, because everyone should be able to do the challenges. And we created alternative activities for anyone unable to complete something,” Kamenel says.
Sense of accomplishment
Margaret Zinn, who participated in the quest at Seabrook, worked hard to complete all 16 tasks in time and correctly, according to Kamenel. “I was always active in sports and athletics before I came here, and I continue to go to the fitness center every day,” Zinn says. “In fact, one of the reasons I moved to Seabrook was because it has a fitness center and a pool.”
“The most difficult challenge was introducing myself to ten new people, because some people looked at me funny. But I did it,” she adds.
If you want to try the Erickson Health Quest, visit www.EricksonTribune.com for a printable version of all 16 challenges.