Our annual section on Healthy Living that begins on page 28 takes on special significance this year, given that for the past few months we’ve been largely: (A) cooped up; (B) cooped up entirely too close to a refrigerator and (C) cooped up entirely too close to a refrigerator that contains an apocalyptic level of horded goodies, very few of which have been given the Weight Watchers Seal of Approval.
Indeed, there might be no greater time to explore our community again, now that we’ve been given the green light to cease all that sheltering at home. Thanks to the forefathers and foremothers who had the foresight to plan the infrastructure of this great region in a most nature-riffic way, we would all be well served to get outdoors this month.
My wife and I have been doing just that lately – strolling over hill and dale until hills plus dales equal four miles. Luckily, we and the dozens of other voyagers we pass, or by whom we are passed, are never at a loss for adventurous treks.
River Legacy Park, the holy grail of Arlington nature hubs, is just as beautiful as we remember. Actually, given all the time away, the flora and fauna seem even more magnificent, the disparate and plentiful bird calls even more comforting. We have a three-year-old grandson to whom everything is astoundingly new and fresh. Our recent walks have helped us appreciate the joy he realizes whenever he makes an unprecedented discovery.
Luckily, we – both in the marital and corporate sense – aren’t confined to one park, or even one city. Here in the hometown, we have Veterans, Randol Mill and Richard Greene Linear Parks, among others, to soothe our senses. Mansfield’s Elmer W. Oliver Nature Park is a hike from Arlington, and then good for another hike once you get there, at least, if you want to take in all of its splendor.
While splendor is generally everyone’s favorite subject – and while it certainly registers high marks on the Healthy Living report card – we shouldn’t forget that, now that we’ve been “sprung,” we might also need to catch up on some basic maintenance.
Our special section offers an array of opportunities to do just that.
If you need some lessons on nutrition, we’ve got that covered. Saying “huh?” a lot lately? We’ll help you hear all you’ve been missing. Perhaps you have a more significant health issue such as diabetes or need to consider a knee replacement procedure. Check and check. It could be that you just need an alignment and some education about how you can stay aligned. Again, Arlington Today can be part of your solution.
Or, just maybe, you like how you feel while getting a massage – and certainly how you feel once you’ve received one. Then you’ll like what ensues once you turn to page 28.
The bottom line: Healthy Living is a path well worth the pursuit. We can’t wait to help you get started.
