There Are Different Paths to a Healthy Lifestyle — and Lakewood Makes it Easy

I know it's about impossible to envision today, but I am trying to picture backyard barbecues, brisk walks through Lakewood and its many parks and enjoying the warmer weather and time with friends and family. 

Of course, my journey always includes finding ways to do enhance my health on a spiritual, mental, physical and emotional level.

When spring gets near, it always brings out the mother-nature in me.

This year, part of my plan includes getting out in my community and learning what’s out there that will help lead me to a more holistic approach to a healthier lifestyle.

 As I continue on my path to better health, I am going to spend time learning more about organic foods, greening up my life a little more and learning how to be more globally responsible and at the same time support my community. Here’s the good news — I’ve found a way to reach all of my goals on my list  right here in Lakewood.

Lakewood has several businesses that embrace a holistic approach to life and healthy living including, Nature’s Bin, 18120 Sloane Avenue.  Lately, I’ve been doing my shopping there and buying all kinds of great stuff- including organic foods (much of it is local produce) and cleaning products that are environmentally friendly as well as other items that you generally don't find in conventional stores. The store also carries easy-on-the-environment hygiene items and cosmetics.

“It’s one of the few stores on the west side to offer hormone and antibiotic free foods, fresh farm meats and eggs,” explained Medeana Horbar, community outreach specialist for Nature’s Bin.  “The store has everything you would want, whether you are a vegan like my family or vegetarian or if you are a meat eater looking to eat healthier, we’ve got it."

Nature’s Bin is a non-profit hot-spot that has been part of the Lakewood community for more than 30 years. One of the primary goals of the store is to give people with disabilities job training to develop work skills and the tools to build their self-confidence. 

Another gem in Lakewood — and there are many — is the Optimal Wellness Center on Clifton Avenue. The center focuses on holistic care, employing all kinds of techniques for what ails you. In addition to its homeopathic medicine, the facility also is home to Good 'n' Raw, a raw juice bar, offering  juice blends, smoothies and gourmet foods.

It's about eating to live, not living to eat. 

Don’t get me wrong, I thank God for modern medicine, advances in medical technology and for the arsenal of pills designed to cure just about anything that ales you these days. Lord knows, if I’m struck with some sort of catastrophe illness, I'll be the first to break down the doors of an emergency room. 

However, I have always been one of those folks who would consider  a natural approach first before visiting a doctor first.

I’m not saying that I want to ditch my day job, dig out my old mood ring and sell flowers on the street corner, but I think everyone in their own way tries to find that balance in their lives that ultimately brings them good health and happiness on all levels.

FYI…..

On Saturday, experts will evaluate your blood pressure, height, weight, BMI, waist/hip ratio and body mass composition at Live Well Lakewood's event.

The event is set for 10 a.m. at the Women's Pavilion at .

This preparation for eight weeks of some serious walking.

Half-mile walks will begin at 6:30 p.m. March 16. And each week, the walks will increase a half mile. The goal is to walk 4 miles by the final session on May 4.

And with spring less than two weeks away, this is the perfect time to take advantage of our incredibly walkable city.