Food & Health

Summer is here and the kids might already be looking for something fun to do.  Direct some of that energy into running, swimming and biking at the Y’s Kids Tri on Saturday, June 24th at the Old Memorial Pool.  

The 8th Annual Y Kids Tri is a fun, non-competitive triathlon that’s all about getting kids excited to get fit! Kids ages 6-14 will experience a morning of encouragement, cheers and satisfaction of completing this swim, bike and run event. There’s nothing like the excitement of crossing a finish line! No experience is necessary! Kids are encouraged to train during the summer, so it’s a great way for family to get fit together.

Join This Is Medicaid for a public conversation about the benefits Medicaid offers to Minnesotans in Northfield, what coverage will look like if the AHCA passes the Senate in its current form, and what you can do to advocate for protecting Medicaid. The event will be held on Wednesday, May 31, from 6  to 7:30 p.m., at St. John's Lutheran Church (500 3rd Street West, Northfield). More information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/this-is-medicaid-northfield-townhall-tickets-34470793070.

The state of health care in Northfield is the topic to be discussed at a forum onThursday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church.  A panel will talk about current health care plans and challenges, the consequences of repeal of the Affordable Care Act as well as pending health care legislation at both state and federal levels. Members of the panel are:  Steve Underdahl, president & CEO of Northfield Hospital and Clinics; Charlie Mandile, CEO of Health Finders Collaborative; Ashley Hodgson, Assistant Professor of Economics at St. Olaf College; and David Bly who represents Northfield in the Minnesota House.

The public is invited to attend. The event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Northfield-Cannon Falls.

 Parkinson’s Support Group meets February 22

The Northfield Parkinson’s Support Group will meet on Wednesday, February 22 at Northfield Hospital. Individuals who have Parkinson’s, or those with a loved one who has Parkinson’s, are invited to attend. 

Northfield Parkinson’s Support Group

Wednesday, February 22

2:00 - 3:30 pm

Northfield Hospital, Conference Center

2000 North Avenue

Guest speakerNancy Haight of the Northfield Hospital Pharmacy department will give an overview of FDA-approved Parkinson’s medications: how to take them, possible side effects, and drug interactions.

The Northfield Parkinson’s Support Group will meet on Wednesday, January 25 at Northfield Hospital. Individuals who have Parkinson’s, or those with a loved one who has Parkinson’s, are invited to attend. 

Northfield Parkinson’s Support Group

Wednesday, January 25

2:00 - 3:30 pm

Northfield Hospital, Conference Center

2000 North Avenue

Guest speakers from the Social Services department of Northfield Hospital & Clinics will discuss two key topics: advance care planning, and local resources for care as health needs change.

How can you tell if your body is doing well? Do you just go by how you "feel?" Bring your list of important markers and compare them to what some of the leading physicians in the U.S. consider to be the important markers to watch. 

On Thursday, January 12, 2017, 6:00 - 7:30 pm in the meeting room at the Northfield Public Library Dr. Noel Aldrich, Licensed Nutritionist, will provide insight to the 7 keys of wellness and how to make 2017 a great year for improving your health.

This program is free and open to the public, and is cosponsored by the Northfield Public Library, Just Food Coop, and the Northfield Women's Center.

The Northfield Public Library will offer a free gentle yoga class Saturdays in January 2017, 8-9 am. (January 7,14, 21 and 28).  The class will be led by Friends of the Library member and local yoga teacher Bob Bruce.  Bob has been joyfully teaching yoga for 15 years after being trained at Kripalu.  This class is for teens and adults.  Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat.  If you have any questions call the library at 507-645-6606.

Effective immediately, the YMCA in partnership with the Veterans Administration is providing a $0 Joiners fee for Veteran and their families.  At the Y, we understand the dedication and personal sacrifice that veterans and their families make to protect and serve our nation. As a small token of gratitude for your military service, we’re waiving the joiner fee for veterans and their families at every Y across Minnesota (monthly membership costs still apply).

“As a U.S. Marine Corp veteran, I could not be more proud of this partnership with the VA.  I look forward to finding more ways to support not only those who have served our country but also their families.” Virginia Kaczmarek, Northfield Area Family YMCA, CEO.

We are here to help support your health and wellness goals.

A new support group for stroke patients, their caregivers and loved ones is launching at Northfield Hospital & Clinics. The goal is to provide social, emotional and practical support for those adapting to life after a stroke. The group will meet monthly. It is free, and open to the public.

Stroke Support Group

Third Thursday of each month, 3:00 – 4:30 pm

Beginning Thursday, Nov. 17

Northfield Hospital, 2000 North Ave. (Meeting Room A)

On Dec. 15, the group will meet at Northfield Hospital in the Conference Center (lower level).

This year, Northfield Rotary is taking the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Trot online.

For those who support Rotary programs, but will be out of town on Thanksgiving morning, there is now the “Free-Range Turkey Trot.” Long distance runners are invited to sign up at northfieldrotary.org/event/turkeytrot and share a photo or video of their virtual run. The cost is $20 per participant. The fee includes a T-shirt mailed in advance so out of town participants can wear them for the photos or videos they post. The most creative will be awarded a prize. The deadline for those who will be running elsewhere is Friday, Nov. 11.

“We saw an opportunity to include more people in this event,” said Rob Bierman, chair of the Rotary Turkey Trot Committee. “This gives those who cannot physically be in town an opportunity to support Rotary’s important work.”

Individuals experiencing the loss of a child are invited to a ceremony of remembrance and support leading into the holiday season.

International Children’s Memorial Day Service

Sunday, December 11, 7:00-8:00 p.m.

First United Church of Christ

This is a service of remembrance for those touched by the death of a child of any age. The evening includes readings, the lighting of candles, and time for reflection. There will also be grief support resources available for families. 

This event is free and open to the public. No registration is required.

This local ceremony is part of Worldwide Candle Lighting, an international commemoration on December 11 with remembrance services around the world for families that have lost a child.

Grief and Loss Support Group to meet weekly; plus, drop-in group begins

Individuals experiencing grief and loss have two options for support this fall: a support group that meets weekly, and a less formal drop-in group, both offered by Northfield Hospice.

As a prelude to the support group meetings, clinical counselor Naomi Mandsager Bartley will present “Grief in Community: Responding with Compassion” on Thursday, September 22, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Northfield Hospital in the Conference Center (lower level). This event, and support group meetings, are free and open to the public.

YMCA Fun on the Run - Do you want to run but don't think you have time to fit it into your schedule?  Join the Fun on the Run class, and we'll help you reach your running goals.  What's the best part?  You don't need to be at every class to get a great workout:  we will email you the weekly updates.  Whether you've never run before or love running, this support class is for you.  We can help you achieve a goal of running a 5k, 10k or a half marathon. 

Information Session:  Sept 20th, 9:30-10:30 am (at the informational session you will learn about proper footwear, breathing techniques, hydration and nutrition and goal setting. 

Classes are weekly (if you can attend) on Tuesdays, Sept 27th - Oct 25th, 9:30 - 10:30 am 

$20 for Y members and $30 for community members.