Welcome to Bloomfield Patch Wellness!

Bloomfield is a city of 46,288 diverse residents and is an interesting place full of parks, community events, and entertainment.  However, being new to the Bloomfield area, I didn't know much about it. So I took it upon myself to explore my new environment. 

As I was driving around a couple of months ago, I noticed several, well-kept parks, but I thought they should be more crowded than they were and expected to see people walking and exercising in the beautiful outdoor spaces.

Then I started to look around a little more and noticed that there were tons of fast-food restaurants.  Everything from taco and burger places to pizzerias and delis.  It's no wonder that obesity is one of the biggest health concerns of adults in America. There is too much temptation from unhealthy food out there.

Though we may feel like we've heard this information lots of times before, it's important to remember that obesity is the primary "predisposer" for heart disease, diabetes, strokes and even some types of cancer.

Even though winter is nearly upon us, it's important for people to try to stay healthy, to fit in exercise and healthy eating, even during the holidays. We don't have to wait until New Year's Eve to start a resolution to be healthy. We can start right here in the city of Bloomfield.

For support and comeraderie during exercise, join a local fitness center. Some choices right here in town are:

• Tone Fitness
• The Fitness Center for Women
• Mind, Body, and Spirit Personal Training
• Plaza Fitness
• Powerhouse Gym

If you like to take walks or go for a jog in the fresh air, start exploring Bloomfield's parks.

• Watsessing Park (at Bloomfield Avenue and Conger Street) has had many renovations to the walking track, basketball courts other facilities. It's even got a fitness course to make working out easier.
• At Brookdale Park on Watchung Avenue, you can rollerblade, run, bicycle and walk the paths. Or join in a pick up game of soccer or hit a ball at the tennis courts.
• If you are more of a leisure walker or outdoorsman, check out Halcyon Park (28 Parkway West). It's eligible for the National Register of Historic Places and the ambiance at the park is just beautiful.

Exercising isn't always enough. Eating healthy and staying hydrated are also important. There are plenty of markets in Bloomfield where you can buy fresh produce and healthy beverages.

 But overall health isn't just about exercising and eating right. Environmental and social health also are very important. Going out, having interactions, and new experiences all help shape us and our environment.  Here are some upcoming late fall/winter events that promote social health within our community:

Bloomfield Public Library:

• On Thursday, Dec. 2, there is a viewing of the film the Book of Eli starting at 12:15 p.m.
• There is also a free Chinese lesson at 1 p.m.

Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra:

• For concert information, please visit http://www.bloomfieldsymphony.org/

Good luck, have fun, be healthy.