January 5, 2016 -- County Executive Robert P. Astorino joined the Westchester County Health Department and local health clubs Tuesday to announce the county's Keep Healthy campaign – an education initiative focused on providing residents with best practices and services to help lead a healthier lifestyle.
The campaign brings county Health Department professionals to five locations of three area fitness centers – Crunch, Club Fit and 24 Hour Fitness – on Tuesdays this month to offer free flu shots, blood pressure screenings and #KeepHealthy tips and information. Each of the health clubs will also provide free guest passes and giveaways to visitors and club members during the Health Department's visit.
"The county teaming up with Crunch, Club Fit and 24 Hour Fitness is a great way to help residents keep their New Year's resolutions to stay active and lead healthier lives," Astorino said kicking off the campaign at Crunch in White Plains. "The Keep Healthy campaign accomplishes three things: it gets free health services and information to residents, it promotes healthy living and it supports local businesses."
Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD, explained that the health department targeted health clubs to reach adults between the ages of 18 and 50 who are less likely to make time for a flu shot or check their blood pressure than children or seniors.
"Keeping healthy is all about the choices we make, both large and small. The decision to get a flu shot or take your blood pressure can be the first step to a healthier you," Amler said.
Representatives from the local health clubs were excited to partner with the county to support the healthy living campaign.
"We at Crunch are thrilled to help keep Westchester healthy," said Eric Jozwiak, district marketing manager for Fitness Holdings, owner of Crunch in White Plains and Port Chester. "We think this is a great benefit for anyone who cares about their health and encourage residents to come to our club."
Karen Santiago, manager at 24 Hour Fitness in Yonkers, added: "We at 24 Hour Fitness are glad to join Westchester County to offer more ways for our members to stay healthy this year. We believe real health and fitness begins by understanding your current mindset–the set of beliefs that determines what you do–so you can start taking steps to achieve your goals."
Bill Beck, president of Club Fit, also added: "We're delighted to team up with Westchester County to put the focus on fitness and health. Keeping Westchester Healthy is our mission, too. We hope this initiative will encourage new members to stop by and join us."
To take advantage of the free flu shots, blood pressure screenings and health information, visit one of these clubs:
Jan. 12
- Crunch, Port Chester, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., 24 Waterfront Place
- Crunch, White Plains, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., 1 North Broadway
Jan. 19
- Club Fit, Briarcliff Manor, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., 584 North State Road
- Club Fit, Jefferson Valley, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., 600 Bank Road
Jan. 26
- 24HourFitness, Yonkers, 4 pm to 7 pm, 589 Tuckahoe Road
The Health Department's brochures and flyers will be available in the department's clinics in White Plains and Yonkers, on the department's website and distributed at health fairs, community events and through partnerships with other health providers and county departments. Tips and information will be shared through social media on www.facebook.com/wchealthdept and on Twitter @wchealthdept.