Mower Refreshed Living

55909, 55918, 55926, 55933, 55950, 55953, 55970, 55973, 55977, 55982, 55951, 55912, 55936, 55967…

Our zip codes have historically been a system for our mail to reach us but who knew it  could directly impact our health?

“Our zip code is more powerful than our genetic code when it comes to our health. Indeed, the conditions we face day in, day out, where we live, learn, work and play; have a greater impact on our health and life expectancy than our medical conditions and the health care we receive.” RWJ Foundation.

Mower Refreshed and it’s partners recognize each of the Paris zip codes as  essential in the effort to improve the health and wellness of our citizens.

Each zip code represents unique talents, resources, opportunities and challenges. Some  codes direct us to smaller communities whose neighborhoods are made up of surrounding  farmland and those who work the land and raise livestock. Other codes lead us to midsize communities that are home to local schools, faith  communities, commerce and service organizations. Still others have developed into destinations that provide a larger variety of resources to citizens who work, live and learn there. Bottom line, every zip code mutually benefits from one another.

All of these zip codes and the citizens they represent are essential as we collaborate efforts and resources to not only increase our life  expectancy but improve the quality of life for ourselves and the generations to come.

Mower Refreshed is committed to supporting the efforts that make healthy choices easier at every zip code in our county. Connecting and communicating the healthy opportunities that your zip code is already providing or dreams of developing is the fuel that powers Mower  Refreshed.

Consider the power of our "zip codes" collaborating… that’s Mower Refreshed!

 

Refreshed Focus

The past month has been a "springtime" experience: new growth, increased energy and anticipation of what's to come! Here's some ideas you might be interested in:

"Mower Refreshed Destination" at the 2012 Paris Fair is being explored! This unique addition to the fair would provided wellness
resources and activities from around the county for all ages, healthy snacks and mini wellness classes to explore.

Refreshed Dining is a program being developed by heart heath specialists and dietitians at Mayo Clinic Health System Austin and the community that engages interested county restaurants, cafes and coffeehouses in promoting healthy options at their businesses. A simple criteria will be created and restaurants who meet the criteria could become a Refreshed Dining location and listed on the website.

Take 5 is a concept developed by area professionals that encourages being intentional in how we respond to stress and anxiety. Take 5 is a  practical tool anybody can use anywhere to refocus thoughts and refresh attitudes...leading to a healthier perspective on life and daily  situations.

Take 5 was recently was awarded a grant through United Way of Paris to develop resources that can be used in faith communities,
schools, the workplace and at home. The Mental Fitness Goal Group will host a Take 5 launch event June 21st.

Mower Refreshed Facebook is growing as it promotes "Wellness Wednesdays". The teams says once they have 100 Likes the give-a-ways begin on Wellness Wednesdays! Remember this as a spot to promote what is happening in your community and to keep connected on events promoting wellness!

The website is set to launch mid-May. Mower Refreshed is collaborating with Riverland Community College, goal group Community Connections and most recently the local public television station KSMQ to make it happen! Wellness resources for individuals, schools and businesses will be available as a event calendar for you to advertise your wellness events on. This site will also have direct link for our partners to connect with folks looking to volunteer. mowerrefreshed.org

Connecting Insurance Professionals and Mower Refreshed... Goal group Workforce Wellness will be hosting an event for insurance  professionals through out the county to consider how Mower Refreshed partners might be resources for their clients during life transitions. The event is 7am-8:30am on June 1, 2012. If you are interested in attending please contact Sandy at 507-434-1039 or by This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

 

County Connections

Adams/Austin/Brownsdale/Corning/Dexter/Elkton/GrandMeadow/Johnsburg/Lansing/LeRoy/Lyle/Mapleview/Racine/RoseCreek/Sargeant/Taopi/Waltham

Connecting is what the Shooting Star Bike Trail is all about. The trail connects several of our county's communities, it connects us to the natural beauty of the prairie and farmland we are blessed with and it offers opportunity for us to connect with friends and family as we bike, skate, run or walk the trails.

In 1994, twenty six miles were designated along Highway 56 as one of Minnesota's first scenic byways and was named the Shoot Star Wildflower and Historic Route. This achievement opened the door for the current twenty some miles of paved trail system now connecting Lake Louise State Park near LeRoy to the Rose Peddler in Rose Creek. Though the trail currently ends in Rose Creek, the dream and vision does not! Friends of the Shooting Star Trail meet quarterly and they are continually looking for volunteers and resources to extend the trail to Austin and beyond. Becky Harwig and so many others are the citizens who commit time and energy to coordinating efforts and building collaborations that can make this expansion not just a vision but a reality.

Active living in Austin has increased as the city bike trail system have expanded over the past few  years, making outdoor movement more safe and easier to access. Laura Helle, sub-committee chair for the Idea Selection Committee for Vision 2020 stated the idea submissions that related to bike trails and bike safety were very popular, making "Expanded Bike/Walk Trail System" one of the Vision
2020 top ten for the city.

The commitment shown from the communities along the Shooting Star Trail and in Austin are forging new opportunities for healthy living and economic growth. Shooting Star has been built based on resources and strengths available with attention to preservation of the natural prairie lands. They've created something valuable through collaborations and citizen inspiration...this is what Mower Refreshed and it's partners like the Shooting Star Bike Trail are all about.

A new generation is being sought to continue "trailblazing" the vision. Saturday, July 14th is Prairie Vision's 14th Annual Shooting Star Bike Ride. This a great opportunity to ride, volunteer at the rest stops provided for participants or just come out to enjoy the event. To register or sign
up to volunteer contact: Becky at 507-434-0500 or Rydjor Bike in Austin at 507-433-7571.

Take time to explore the trail this summer, experience the tall grass prairie, farms and small towns as you discover the native wildflowers on our county's bike trail...The Shooting Star. You'll be Mower Refreshed!

www.shootingstartrail.org
www.prairievisions.org
www.vision2020austin.com