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Laugh and Learn with Spirit
Spirit of Women Educates, Inspires Women About Good Health
By Kelly D. Burgess
Getting healthy, according to Abreu, is not about going on a restrictive diet or spending an hour a day at the gym. Doing something that feels good, whether it's sitting on the couch having a great time scrap booking or taking a brisk walk with a friend, is going to be much more healthful in the long run than forcing yourself to do an hour of aerobics.
As a result of this philosophy, Spirit of Women sponsors programs such as A Day of Dance where people are encouraged to come out and learn various dances such as hula, salsa or other expressive dances. Open to women, men and families, this is a fun way to get moving while connecting with family and neighbors. Learning some new moves is just a side benefit.
Generally, programs such as Day of Dance are also tied into health education in general, just as the What Women Put Up With seminars are. When Wilkison attended the Day of Dance program at her local hospital, she says the hospital set up booths and gave out health information and free tests for a variety of medical conditions. There was even one for testing flexibility that she particularly enjoyed.
The community-based aspect of all the Spirit of Women programs seems to have hit a chord around the country. Abreu says last year the organization's Laugh and Learn programs averaged 100 to 120 participants. It's this "buddy" factor that drew in Wilkison.
"I love doing things with other people because it's so much more fun," says Wilkison. "Ninety percent of the classes I take and the things I do I choose to do with a group. I don't like to swim alone, but I love water aerobics classes. Having a group setting gives me the added incentive to go and keep going."
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