Friendship Centre plans community hydration challenge
Reeti Meenakshi Rohilla - Staff Writer
Inspired by warmer temperatures and seeking to encourage a healthier lifestyle among residents, the Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre (NGFC) is preparing to start a month-long community hydration challenge.
NGFC’s Urban Indigenous Healthy Living Coordinator Christine Reid shared, “A commonly overlooked aspect of health is hydration. Being well-hydrated is critical to overall health and wellbeing. The goal of this hydration challenge is for participants to hydrate by drinking and eating mindfully.”
Reid shared that she is hoping to start the challenge by the last week of June or first week of July. “Participants for the hydration challenge will need only a water bottle to join in and if needed, a water bottle can be provided by the Friendship Centre. Funding for this challenge is provided through the Healthy Living Program at The Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre. Due to the amazing response so far, we had to order more water bottles. Once these bottles have arrived, participants will be notified.”
Reid shared that she could drop off reusable water bottles to participants before the start of the challenge. Reid can be reached at christiner@ngfc.net. Further information regarding the hydration challenge will be posted on Nishnawbe-Gamik Friendship Centre’s Facebook page, once available.
“Hydration needs to change based on activity level, the weather, and many other factors. Participants will set daily and overall goals that are specific to these needs and guidance will be provided on how to set these goals once the challenge starts,” shared Reid. She added that they will be setting up a group chat through Facebook with all participants to help each other stay motivated, with details to follow on their Facebook page.
“I believe this challenge will help the community members by being mindful of what they eat and drink, learning about “hydration myths” and by helping people in the overall health goals,” shared Reid, inviting community members to join the challenge.
