Upcoming Events: January-March 2016

Below is a list of upcoming cross-community health and wellness events. In September 2015, the Wellness Tour was the beginning of a long-lasting relationship between Midland Health, the city of Midland, Midland College and Midland ISD. Together, we can achieve the goal of making Midland the healthiest community in Texas. This year's Wellness Tour is scheduled for August 10-13. For more information, call (432) 221-4510 or visit www.midlandwellnesstour.com.

January 21 | Alzheimer’s Association Workshop
Midland College is partnering with the Alzheimer’s Association to host workshops for people who work with Alzheimer patients and for family and friends of Alzheimer patients. Ten workshops will be offered periodically January through June. Today’s workshop will discuss ways to connect with people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Participants will discover how communication takes place when someone has Alzheimer’s, learn how to decode the verbal and behavioral messages delivered by someone with dementia and identify strategies for effective communication at each stage of the disease. Cost is free. The first workshop will be today from 10:30 a.m.—noon in Room 213 of the Midland College Advanced Technology Center, 3200 W. Cuthbert in Midland. Seating is limited; interested participants are asked to call (800) 272-3900 to make a reservation. To learn more, email kdaw@midland.edu.

January 26 – March 3, March 15—April 21 | Midland College Aquatic Classes
Classes will be held every Tuesday and Thursday at the Wellness Pool, located at 3003 N. A Street in Midland, TX.
Arthritis Foundation aquatic classes: 10—11 a.m. Classes are range-of-motion and stretching, strengthening, and balance and coordination activities. Participants are able to improve joint flexibility and reduce pain and stiffness while supported by the water’s buoyancy and resistance.
Ai Chi classes: Noon-1 p.m. This water movement and relaxation program increases oxygen and caloric consumption by combining deep breathing and slow, broad movements. Ai Chi is successfully used with individuals with pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, COPD, and neurological/orthopedic diagnosis.

January 29 and 30 | Permian Basin Mental Health Conference
Permian Basin Mental Health Conference will be held at the First Baptist Church of Midland. Registration and breakfast begins at 7 a.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. on Saturday. This conference will provide participants with tools to aid in the prevention of suicide and other mental health topics. For more information, call 432.240.1552 To register, visit: https://pbmhconference2016.eventbrite.com/.

February 13 | USA Fit Midland
Registration is open for USA Fit Midland, a 12-week program for individuals of all fitness levels to run or walk their way to a healthier lifestyle. USA Fit Midland is made of training partners and friends preparing together for a 5K/10K race in April. Individuals who have never run a step before are especially encouraged to join to conquer mental and physical barriers never thought possible. USA Fit coaches help participants achieve personal bests in a non-intimidating, fun and safe environment. Members start small and work with coaches to build mileage, fitness, and confidence until individual goals are reached Members follow training schedules independently during the week, and convene on Saturday for coached, long, group runs and educational seminars. Group training sessions will take place at 8 a.m. starting Saturday, Feb. 13. Online registration ends Friday, Feb. 19 and in-person registration ends Saturday, Feb. 20. To learn more, call 432.685.7700 or visit www.usafitmidland.com.

February 20 | MISD Rebels on Run
Rebels on Run will benefit the Midland Lee High School volleyball athletics program. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Midland College, Fine Arts Building (online registration not available). The race will begin at 9:30 a.m. February 24 | American Heart Association “Red Out” Day Red Out Day encourages Midland ISD employees and students to wear red in honor of heart awareness. March 15 | MISD Health Fair This health fair will be held at the Midland College CHAP Center from 5-7 p.m. This is a free event that the entire community is invited to attend.

March 19 | MISD St. Patty’s Day Dash
St. Patty’s Dash benefits MISD Wellness, a program that educates and creates opportunities to encourage MISD employees to live a healthy lifestyle. Registration starts at  8 a.m. at MISD Central Office (online registration not available). The race begins at 8:45 a.m.