Have You Joined the HEAL Movement?

The idea of HEAL, or Healthy Eating Active Living, originated with Kaiser Permanente as a Community Health Initiative intending to “improve the health of individuals, families, and communities by addressing the social, economic and environmental determinants of health.”

What that means is that better health is possible when people are surrounded by communities that support physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

A HEAL Initiative was adopted by the Lompoc City Council in 2012, and by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors in 2017.

HEAL has impacted the Lompoc community in many ways. You may have noticed healthier options in the city vending machines, as well as healthy options at Lompoc city Recreation functions. You can thank the HEAL Resolution for the choice to select what is healthy for you.

The Lompoc HEAL resolution calls for at least 50 percent healthy options at all city functions, allowing you to choose what option you would like --instead of having only one unhealthy option.

Lompoc is unique because it sets the example for Santa Barbara County through a dedicated group of community leaders who participate in the HEAL Advisory Cabinet. This advisory group consists of a variety of community leaders who meet quarterly and work toward further embedding the HEAL movement into the Lompoc culture. Have you heard about Grocery Outlet’s Banana Card program for kids? We are proud to say the Owners, Aaron and Alix Crocker, are founding members of the HEAL Advisory Cabinet and have helped bring new health innovation to Lompoc residents.

It’s easy for you to get involved in the movement.

You may have attended or heard of the first HEAL Lompoc Wellness Fair in 2017. The HEAL Fair was created by the HEAL Cabinet, whose members are excited to host the second annual HEAL Wellness Fair on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 10am to 2pm on Lompoc Valley Medical Center’s front lawn.

This year’s theme is ‘Heart and Sole’ in honor of American Heart Month which takes place every year in February. It’s a great day to get moving with free activities and promotional items from more than 50 local organizations. There will be free drawstring backpacks for the first 250 families, as well as free heart smart handouts and a raffle entry for all attendees. The activity class line up includes Zumba with Claudia Coracero at 10:30 am, CrossFit Ohana at 11:15 am, Pacific Legends Polynesian Dance Troupe at 12:15 p.m., YMCA Silver Sneakers at 12:45 p.m. and Valley of Flowers Half Century Club Chair Yoga at 1:30 p.m.

There will also be delicious HEAL options for a meal at the Ocean’s Seven Café, located inside Lompoc Valley Medical Center; with a choice of a Mediterranean Greek salad or a barley balance salad, as well as fresh fruit cups. If you are in the mood for a sweet treat after participating in all of the free activities, Sapori Italian Ice truck will be available with 100 percent fruit juice options for purchase.

The HEAL wellness fair would not be possible without HEAL Advisory Cabinet member support, the community organizations participating, and this year’s sponsors: Lompoc Valley Medical Center, CoastHills Credit Union, Dare to Dream Farms, Grocery Outlet and the Healthy Lompoc Coalition.

We look forward to seeing you Saturday!

Join us at HEAL Wellness Fair: Heart & Sole
Saturday, February 24, 2018, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Lompoc Valley Medical Center; Hospital.

Admission, Raffle Entry, Prizes, and activities are all free.