Wellness Week Starts with Sunday Expo

WINTHROP – There is truly something for everyone next week as Winthrop kicks off its first Wellness Week this Sunday with the Health and Wellness Expo in the high school gym from 10 am to 2 pm.

“We’d like to highlight the more prominent issues currently affecting our community and provide resources and education in order to combat these growing needs,” Meredith Hurley, RN, the town’s health nurse.

Organizations that will be at the expo include: Those Who Can, For Those in Need; East Boston Neighborhood Health Center; Hallmark Health Associates; MassPort Asthma Program; Commonwealth Clinical Services; Oceanside Pilates; Hallmark Health VNA and Hospice; Winthrop Farmer’s Market; Medical Reserve Corp.; CrossFit Winthrop; RPM Fitness; Winthrop Healthy Eating Group; Nayad’s Hands of Light Reiki; the Yoga Lounge; For Kids Only Afterschool Program; Dr. Anne Kelty, Naturopathic Medicine and Energy Healing; Sunkissed Glow Sunless Tanning and more.

“This is a great family friendly event geared toward all ages and activity levels,” Hurley said.

         On Wednesday night, April 15 from 6:30-8:30pm at Winthrop High School a first of its kind interactive event highlighting the current issues in the community will be presented. Those who attend will learn about the resources available to start decreasing substance use and mental health.

         The keynote speaker will be Miriam Ervin, LMHC, assistant director of addiction services at North Suffolk Mental Health Association. There will be an interactive question and answer session with people from the community who have struggled and are willing to share their triumphs. There will also be specialized breakout sessions for further education and resources.

         During the entire week students will also address an issue each day. On Monday, April 13 students will hear motivational speaker Chris Herren, a former member of the Boston Celtics. Sponsored by Viking Pride and Winthrop Charities, Herren will lead an alcohol and substance abuse awareness discussion. On Tuesday, April 14 the topic will be bullying awareness. On Wednesday, April 15 mental health with be the topic. Thursday, April 16 the topic is Pride/LGBTQ with a Cross the Line Assembly and Friday, April 17 the focus will be on physical health and community.