Hot Topic
Dance for a Healthy Body
Tired of the same, old exercise routine? It might be time to try dancing your way to a healthier lifestyle. That’s why the Coastal Health District is sponsoring “Let’s Dance, Savannah!” on Saturday, February 28th, from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Savannah Mall’s Center Court. The day of free dance demonstrations and classes is being offered to encourage dancing as a legitimate form of exercise and to teach people about the importance of cardiovascular health.
“For too many people, exercise feels like a chore,” said Cristina Gibson, Director of Health Promotion & Disease Prevention for the Coastal Health District. “We all know we should exercise, but it can be hard to stay motivated to climb onto a treadmill. Add a busy schedule, and exercise often gets marked off the ‘to do’ list.”
But dancing can be a lot of fun – and a great form of exercise.
“If you’re feeling burned out on the traditional exercise routines, start dancing,” said Gibson. “You get your heart rate up, your body moving, but it doesn’t feel like hard work. It feels like fun.”
Heart disease is the number one killer of American women. According to the American Heart Association, nearly 500,000 women die each year of cardiovascular disease. But regular exercise (including dancing), a healthy diet, and controlling your blood pressure can greatly reduce your risk.
The celebration will feature performances and instruction by the Savannah Lion Dance Team, Rebecca Haas (ZUMBA), Moon River Dancers (ballroom dance), Silver Liners (line dancing), Abeni Cultural Arts (African dance), Maxine Patterson School of Dance, Savannah Children’s Theatre, Savannah Swing Cats (Lindy Hop), Lotus Dance Company (Egyptian belly dance) and the STUDIO (ballet).
The event will also include blood pressure screenings by the Community Cardiovascular Council, blood glucose testing by the Diabetes Care Center at CVS on DeRenne Avenue, nutritional assessments by the Chatham County Health Department’s WIC Nutrition Services Program and Body Mass Index (BMI) & bone density scans provided by the Health Science Students of Armstrong Atlantic State University. Information on the signs and symptoms of stroke & heart attack and healthy snacking will be provided.
Visitors will also receive details about dance opportunities through Chatham County’s network of dance organizations and have the opportunity to win door prizes including an MP3 player and dance instruction videos.
For more information, please call 912-484-1885.
View a flyer and performance schedule for Let's Dance Savannah!