Alcorn Extension, BCF senior health events planned

Alcorn State University’s Extension Program and the Bude Community Foundation are joining forces to begin a new short-term, senior-focused program — “Grands and Family” — that will run every Thursday for five weeks beginning Sept. 15 and continuing through Oct. 13.

The free community initiative will begin on those days at 12:30 p.m., at the BCF Community Center (the former Bude United Methodist Church) at the intersection of Main Street, Third Street and Mississippi Highway 184.

The outreach seeks to tackle areas such addressing obesity through fitness, nutrition and education along with getting more people to participate in physical fitness activities and events.

In addition, the program will endeavor to educate people on chronic diseases and how a healthy diet and exercise can reduce medical concerns that could negatively impact the overall quality of life for participants.

“Our goal is to help promote healthy individuals and families in Franklin County while especially concentrating on our senior adults,” BCF representative Veronica Brown said in announcing the program.

“The way we can do this is to provide information and skills that will help participants make healthy choices where their lives are concerned. We believe a better educated public will have more successful and healthier lifestyle choices that result in happiness and wellness.”

Alcorn’s Extension Program has collaborated with other community programs similar to BCF throughout the region to provide factual information pertaining to physical activity and nutrition while focusing on healthy habits that can easily be integrated into daily practice.

“If there is one thing we’ve learned in recent years, it’s that none of us should take our health for granted,” Brown continued. “There is a nation-wide emphasis to address psychological, cognitive and physical health concerns for people age 50 and older while taking on different psychological and physical problems.”

Brown encouraged Franklin County seniors wanting to improve their quality of life to make plans to come to the sessions.

“For example, in the aging population, exercise has been shown to prevent disease, lower the risk of falls, improve mental health and well-being, strengthen social ties and improve cognitive function,” she added.

“Regardless of your age, this program can be valuable for those who take advantage of what is being offered.”

For details about the initiative, contact Brown at 601-810-9674.