By Libby Mitchell, social media coordinator, University of Utah Health Care
What does it mean to “be well?” That is the focus of the eighth annual week-long celebration of health Be Well Utah. Spanning seven days at locations from South Jordan to Farmington, the festival highlights various aspects of wellness and encourages participants to consider for themselves what it means to “be well” and how to achieve those goals. Every year the week is filled with lots of useful information, plenty of fun and a few surprises. So, why should you attend?
Here are the top seven reasons:
- Celebrity guests
You never know who may show up at Be Well Utah events. Jazz players, Jazz dancers, members of the Salt Lake Bees, players for the University of Utah football team, Big Buddha from Fox 13 and Clifford the big red dog have all been spotted in years past. This year we have some very special guests who will be stopping by to help spread messages about healthy living, and have a little fun with the crowd. - Free screenings
Have concerns about a mole that looks a little funny? Or have your eyes been giving you trouble? We will have dozens of free screenings to check your health from head to toe. Experts from the School of Dentistry, Moran Eye Center, Huntsman Cancer Institute and the Department of Dermatology are among those providing their services – all totally FREE of charge. - Family fun activities
From ages 2 to 100 we have activities for everyone. Try out land surfing or hula hooping. Learn more about healthy cooking at the chef demonstrations. Play games and win great prizes. You will not be bored at any of the 10 scheduled events. - Exercise opportunities
We want you to get up and get moving. No matter what your activity level, there is an exercise event for you. Bring your dog to the “Walk and Wag for Wellness” event. Burn up some calories as we “Walk Away Obesity.” Try out Zumba or other aerobic options at “South Jordan Family Night” or at Saturday’s “family Health Fair.” Improve your time at the “Run in Rhythm 5K.” It doesn’t matter how you move, as long as you are moving. - Food
If you burn calories you have to replenish them. We will have lots of healthy food options at all events. In addition we will have cooking demos throughout the week to introduce you to foods and recipes you may not have tried before. After all, a body can’t be healthy if it doesn’t get healthy fuel. - Football field access
Ever wanted to look up into the stands from the field were the University of Utah football team plays? We will have full field access at Saturday’s “Family Health Fair.” Come and throw a football around and dream of winning the big game. - Pokémon lures
We love Pokémon GO. It is getting people up and moving and helping with physical and mental health. We will have plenty of lures at all events so you can try to “catch them all.”
Whatever your reason you are bound to have a good time at the events during Be Well Utah. For more information on all of the activities, click here.