Health and Wellness

Mattie Rhodes Center recognizes that accessible and educational information and activities can act as preventative health care and reduce the risk of future health problems. Health and wellness activities aimed at engaging the entire family can be the most effective in ensuring long-term lifestyle changes.

Adults and families benefit from many healthy lifestyles activities focusing on increasing physical activities and improving food choices. By combining physical activity and nutrition information and hands-on activities, Mattie Rhodes Center has created a continuum of health information to meet the needs of all ages groups.

Salsa, Sabor, y Salud: A nationally acclaimed culturally competent curriculum designed specifically for Latino families with children under twelve years of age, Salsa, Sabor y Salud helps Latino children improve nutrition and fitness by including the entire family. Children and families learn about healthy lifestyles, food groups, portions, exercise, and cultural heritage and lifestyle connections to wellness. Families participate in groups based on age with hands-on, age-appropriate nutrition and physical activities at each session.

Education related to health and wellness help participants examine their food choices and learn basic nutrition concepts and information. They learn how to make small, specific changes in their eating and cooking habits in order to improve health and maintain a healthy weight.

Physical Exercise: Participants come together weekly for a variety of fitness activities. Groups of adults participate in physical activities such as taebo and zumba in order to increase amount and frequency of exercise. At the same time, they build a support network with other participants, providing additional support and encouragement to continue physical activities and maintain a healthy lifestyle.