Our August monthly Bē Health and Well-Being® newsletter focuses on simple ways to thrive this month. It also includes a list of upcoming events and more. We hope you enjoy, and we hope to see you soon at a Bē Health fitness class or event. You can download and check the app to view and register for classes and events hosted each month.

                           – Sarah Hanson, Bē Health and Well-Being® Navigator

Healthy Living in August: Simple Ways to Thrive This Month!

By Sarah Hanson, Bē Health and Well-Being® Navigator

August is upon us and a beautiful month to enjoy the best of summer while setting mindful habits before fall. Whether you're soaking up the last of vacation days ☀️ or kicking off the 📚 back-to-school season, this month offers opportunities to refresh your health habits. Here’s some helpful tips to kick off the month in a healthy direction. Small changes equal a big difference.

First, eat seasonally: August is a peak month for fresh, local produce. Incorporating seasonal fruits and vegetables not only supports your immune system but also enhances your meals with vibrant flavors. Enjoy local produce like blueberries, peaches, tomatoes and sweet corn. Make a colorful summer salad with mixed greens, grilled corn, cherry tomatoes, avocado and a splash of lemon vinaigrette.

Second, move outdoors: Take advantage of the warm weather by being active outside. Exercise in natural light boosts your vitamin D and mood. As little as 20 minutes a day outdoors can reduce stress and improve heart health. Take morning walks, stretch at the park or unwind with an evening stroll.

Third, stay hydrated: Hot, humid days increase your need for fluids. Aim for water-rich foods and drinks throughout the day. Listen to your body's thirst cues, and if you're fatigued or getting headaches, it might be time to drink up. 

Drinking clean water is essential, but during the summer, when we’re sweating more from hiking, running around with kids or just being outdoors, our bodies need extra hydration support. This is where fruit delivers big. Seasonal favorites like watermelon, strawberries, grapefruit, cantaloupe and peaches are more than 90 percent water and loaded with potassium, fiber and powerful phytonutrients that support energy, detoxification and digestion. And nature’s pretty smart – the most hydrating fruits just so happen to be in peak season when we need them most. So yes, keep drinking filtered water but don’t forget to eat your hydration, too. It’s one of the simplest, most delicious ways to nourish every cell in your body.

Fourth, practice mindful moments: August can feel busy and transitional. Ground yourself with mindfulness practices to reduce stress and stay present. Start your day with deep breaths, jot down three things you’re grateful for or spend tech-free time outdoors. Even brief mindful pauses help improve mental clarity and resilience.

Fifth, prioritize sleep: Longer daylight hours and social events can disrupt sleep routines. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality rest each night to support immunity and mood. 

Keep bedtime consistent, limit screen time before sleep and cool your room for restful nights.

August is a month to savor, slow down, enjoy nature’s abundance and nourish both your body and mind. Small, mindful changes can lead to lasting well-being. I challenge you to pick ONE new healthy habit this month and feel the difference!

Do You Have the App?

The Bē Health & Well-Being® app by St. Joseph’s/Candler has an exclusive section just for Heartwood residents with specific community benefits. Join classes, contact the Bē Health navigator and receive the latest health content. Download for free now.

Upcoming Events and Fitness Classes 

We are excited about two of our newest classes for August!

Flow Yoga: Called “Flow” Yoga as the poses blend in practice, a more dynamic style of class for students looking to grow their practice, synchronized with breath, creating your anchor as you move from pose to pose. Excellent for your health, not only keeping you active, but also reducing stress and building strength outward and inward. The class includes a warm up, Sun Salutations, stretching and balancing as
a part of every class. Inner reflection and relaxation are used to close class. Offered every Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the Outfitters Building.

Children’s Yoga: We make yoga and mindfulness fun for kids! It’s filled with games, songs, stories, imaginative play and activities that engage children and give them the tools to feel calmer, happier and more peaceful inside! Offered every Wednesday at 4 p.m. at the Outfitters Building.

Silver Sneakers Yoga: Silver Sneakers Yoga is great for a beginner or more experience exerciser interested in Yoga and flexibility training. You will move through seated and standing yoga poses that aim to increase flexibility, balance and range of motion. Breathing exercises and relaxation is incorporated into every class to promote stress reduction. A chair is used to accommodate a variety of fitness and skill levels during this class. Offered every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m. at the SJ/C Heartwood Campus.

Hike the Hill: The Bē Health Navigator will incorporate stretching and other exercises into this 2-mile hike to the hill to enhance your overall physical, emotional and social well-being. Designed for all fitness levels, just meet the Bē Health navigator at the Outfitters Building for this group activity on the St. Joseph’s/Candler walking trail. Offered every Thursday at 8 a.m.

Fitness Class Pricing for Heartwood Residents 

Heartwood resident cost: $10 per class; $40 for five classes; $70 for 10 classes. Sign up on the Bē Health app. 

* Classes with no registered participants will be canceled 24 hours prior to the event.