Living a healthy lifestyle has many benefits. It can help prevent complications of disability, make daily activities easier as a result of increased strength or energy, and it may even help individuals feel happier and better able to handle their problems.

A healthy lifestyle means a lot more than just “not” having an illness or disability. A healthy lifestyle means you eat well, go to the doctor for regular check-ups, handle stress well, get some type of exercise, and take time to relax.

Here are just some of the ways The Arc of the Mid Ohio Valley's Health & Wellth program helps adults with disabilities live a healthy lifestyle!

Fitness & Recreation

Ø      Memberships and programs at local fitness centers

Ø     Walking Club - WV On The Move - Mondays at 6:00 pm - City Park Pond (Beginning in June, Thursdays will be added)

Ø    Fitness Club is a low-impact class that incorporates stretching, aerobic, strength training, and cool-down and is held every Monday from 4:15 - 5:15 pm at the YWCA, during the months that the Walking Club is not taking place.  (usually November - May)

Ø      Activities promoted through the Neighborhood M.A.P. project (More Active People)

Ø      Adventure Pursuit recreational activities - Kayaking & Swimming

Ø      Team and individual recreation opportunities, both structured and casual, from the Wood County Recreation Commission and the City of Parkersburg

Health & Nutrition

Ø      Living Well with a Disability - Program components are included in the Women Be Healthy & Men Be Healthy series' that address: Beating the Blues, Communications, Seeking Info, Physical Activity, Eating Well, Being Safe, Self-Esteem & Disability Pride

Ø      Health Screenings - Annual Health Fair (view pictures) and Basic baseline and follow-up blood pressure testing, body composition assessment, and total cholesterol/glucose tests provided by Mountain State Blue Cross/Blue Shield’s HealthPLACE on the Move.

Ø   Cooking Club is held every 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month from September to May, in SW Resources lunchroom.  Nutritional information is presented at every session and participants will even have a Grocery Shopping Tour!

Ø  Tobacco Prevention & Cessation - information, activities, and presentations are given to Health & Wealth participants to encourage cessation from all tobacco products by explaining the risks and outcomes of smoking and smokeless tobacco products.  Funding has been provided by the Mid Ohio Valley Health Dept.

Primary & Preventative

Ø      Healthcare Resource Guide to available services and programs that are offered at a free or reduced cost.

Ø      Lunch & Learn educational series - 11:30 - 12:15 pm on the last Friday of every month in SW Resources board room.  Topics vary, but lunch is ALWAYS included!

Ø      Women Be Healthy Trainings - Scheduled on a semi-annual basis, this comprehensive series is designed to address female-specific issues in a manner that is understandable to those with cognitive disabilities. 

Ø     Men Be Healthy Trainings - Scheduled on a semi-annual basis, this comprehensive series is designed to address male-specific issues in a manner that is understandable to those with cognitive disabilities. 

Ø     Healthcare Toolkit to improve direct communication between the health care provider and the person with a disability. (download contents now)