Add Some Spring to Your Step!

Now that the weather is (finally!) warmer it's the perfect time to add a little spring to your step! After being cooped up indoors all winter, being outside and getting some fresh air will do your body (and soul) some good. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy spring outdoors with your friends & family.

Take a Walk - Experts say adults are suppose to walk an estimated 10,000 steps per day, however in recent studies, it has been found that people are only walking an average of 1,000 to 3,000 steps a day. Taking a walk not only helps you reach your daily fitness goal, but it is good for the mind and soul as well.  Getting fresh air and enjoying the scenery can wash away a stressful day or give the perfect venue for a meaningful conversation. Here are some ideas of how to get those extra steps in this spring:  

• Take your dog for a walk instead of just letting him out the back door. Your loved canine needs the increase in doggie steps too! 
• Meet up with friends and take a walk around your neighborhood. Getting lost in conversation is the perfect way to add up those steps! 
• Walk to the store. If your destination is close enough to walk to - go for it! 
• Park at the back of the parking lot. Forget trying to snag the space closest to the entrance, those few extra steps will quickly add up. 
• Take a walk around the block on your lunch break. Taking a short break from your desk will keep your body moving and your blood flowing. You will return to your desk ready to concur the rest of the day. 
• If you are interested in keeping track of how many steps you take per day, pick up a pedometer or try one of the new health trackers like Fitbit, Nike, or the Up Band. 

Take a Hike - Find a local trail in your area and go explore! Hiking is a great activity to do with a spouse, a friend, or family member. Bring a camera for some unforgettable pictures or a picnic for a rest along the way.  

Bike Ride -  Plan a date to ride a bike, it is a great activity to do with the kids, with a friend or in a group. If you don't own a bike, a lot of major cities have bike rentals that you can take advantage of. There are also group bike tours that you can join within your community and if you're feeling adventurous, join a U.S bike tour or travel overseas! 

Plant a Garden - Spring is the perfect time to start a garden and believe it or not, it can even be a workout! After a day of digging and planting, you're going to be feeling the burn.  You can plant your favorite flowers or even start your own fruit and vegetable garden. Fresh fruit and veggies are great to cook with during the summer and they taste fantastic, just make sure deer and wildlife don't get to them before you do!  

Spring is such a great time of year, so try and take full advantage of the weather before it gets too hot. Your kids will enjoy spending time outdoors and so will you! What are your favorite spring activities? 

February is American Heart Month

February in officially the month of hearts... Valentine's cards, heart shaped boxes of chocolates, hearts on display at every store... but most importantly February is American Heart Month. Throughout the month, The American Heart Association as well as many other organizations spread the word about heart health, education, and disease prevention. Heart disease is a major concern for our country. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) "every year, about 715,000 Americans have a heart attack. About 600,000 people die from heart disease in the United States each year—that’s 1 out of every 4 deaths. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women." 

Throughout the month of February on both Camp Reveille's blog and Joan's blog, you will find information about heart health and camper spotlights focusing on Reveille women who either have a personal story about heart health or simply support all the wonderful strides we're making as a country in the area of heart health. 

WANT TO BE INVOLVED?

If you have a story to share, please email us, we would love to spotlight YOU! 

Also - remember all your heart pictures that you sent in??  We love them and we are extending this submission through Heart Month!  At the end of the month we will reveal our Reveille Heart Health Image, so keep them coming! 

Heart Picture Submissions:

Send us a photo of yourself holding a heart (drawn, printed from the computer, an object, or simply making a heart using your hands). You could even be wearing your favorite Camp Reveille t-shirt! (Check out the photo's that we did to get an idea!) We will compile all of your photos in to one big heart as a powerful piece of "heart art" for all to enjoy!