Woodlake residents are dancing their way to better health, thanks to the Woodlake Nutrition and Physical Wellness Class now offered locally by Family HealthCare Network (FHCN). Meeting twice a week at Castle Rock Elementary School, the classes offer various cardio dance routines and are lead by an FHCN certified Circulo de Bailoterapia instructor.
Through the class, FHCN aims to equip participants to live healthier overall lifestyles by increasing physical activity and maintaining proper nutrition. Participants are encouraged to drink more water and less sugary beverages, and education is provided on the different food groups and building a healthy, well-balanced plate.
“Our community health programming plays a large role in our efforts to promote the prevention of chronic disease and overall health of the community members we serve,” stated FHCN President & 
CEO Kerry Hydash. “The Woodlake Nutrition and Physical Wellness Class demonstrates the unique opportunity our health centers have to engage with families beyond our health facilities and has increased health outcomes in the community,” Hydash explained.
Each class typically lasts for one hour and includes approximately 15 songs. Classes start off with a warm up song and the level of intensity increases throughout the class. No previous dance experience is needed and participants with all levels of experience are welcome.
Headed by FHCN’s Community Health team, the program has gained support from organizations including Woodlake Unified School District, Castle Rock Elementary School, The City of Woodlake, and the State of California’s Department of Public Health Champions for Change. FHCN’s team of Promotoras, or volunteer health promoters, are also actively involved in the program, linking community members to the classes.
“The response from the community has been phenomenal. We currently have over 15 participants involved in the classes each week,” stated FHCN Community Health Representative Veronica Sanchez.
FHCN began offering the classes to the Woodlake community in September of 2015. For many Woodlake residents, the classes are a unique opportunity, and provide direct access to nutritional information and a safe environment for physical activity. As class sizes are expected to see continued growth, FHCN hopes to offer additional classes in the evening. FHCN also offers similar classes in the communities of Farmersville, Ivanhoe, Tulare, and Visalia.
If you are interested in participating in, or would like more information about FHCN’s Woodlake Nutrition and Physical Wellness Class, please contact FHCN Community Health Representative Veronica Sanchez at 564-5033. FHCN’s Woodlake Health Center is located at 201 E. Lakeview Avenue, and is open Monday through Friday, 7:00am to 9:00pm and Saturdays, from 7:00am to 5:00pm. To schedule an appointment with Family HealthCare Network, please call 1-877-960-3426 or visit www.fhcn.org for more information.
Class details:
Dates: Weekly on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00am-10:00am
Cost: FREE
Location: Castle Rock Elementary School – 360 N. Castle Rock St., Woodlake, CA 93286
Sponsored by: Family HealthCare Network
