CHJC (Children’s Home of Jefferson County) Staff recently completed the Agency’s “Get Fit! – Healthy Lifestyles” Program, designed to help them make healthy lifelong personal, physical and emotional choices. The Program was made possible by a $4,000.00 grant from Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield Community Health Awards.

Working together over a period of 12-weeks, participating CHJC Staff learned easy ways to eat healthier, make time for exercise, and find time for calming mental breaks. The healthy living program, ran from mid-June through mid-September, 2020, and was broken down into specific health-related themes. Due to limitations imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, participants were encouraged to complete individual physical fitness activities, track water intake, log steps, and submit photos of themselves engaged in healthy activities. Throughout the program, socially-distanced group walks were held at Thompson Park.

Healthy snacks were served weekly and physical fitness videos and trainings were included. CHJC also partnered with other area organizations to provide related activities. PIVOT provided a virtual meditation session, and Cornell Cooperative Extension shared recipes and nutrition tips. Wellness-related prizes were awarded at the conclusion of the program.

Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Community Health Awards support upstate New York non-profit organizations, as they improve and implement community-wide health services, education, and programming. Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield is committed to offering high quality and affordable health care services across Upstate and Northern New York.