Healthy Counties, Healthy Families

With a theme of “Healthy Counties, Healthy Families,” Gwinnett County is celebrating National County Government Month in April and highlighting the health services and programs it provides. There will be many free and fun events throughout the month including a Get Out and Play Day at county parks Saturday, April 7.

For a list of Gwinnett parks, their hours and amenities click here.

Most of the special events, seminars and workshops, which are being coordinated by county departments, are designed to help residents learn about healthy living choices.

A Sing, Dance, and Relax Fair is scheduled from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Friday, April 27, at George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center in Suwanee.

This fair will feature line dancing classes, health screenings, and healthy cooking demonstrations. Sponsors are Gwinnett Senior Services, the Senior Issues Action Team of the Gwinnett Coalition for Health and Human Services, and the Gwinnett Parks and Recreation. Department.

In observance of its 25th anniversary, Gwinnett Parks and Recreation is sponsoring a weight loss challenge. Participants who lose 25 pounds by Dec. 1 will receive free entry to the I Lost It! year-end celebration and will be eligible for prizes!

Registration is $10 and includes a pedometer, an I’m Losing It! T-shirt, weigh-ins at any community recreation center, invitations to nutritional and fitness seminars all year, and free entry to the Daybreak Dash 5K at Settles Bridge Park in Suwanee in July. For more information, click here.

The county is also sponsoring a month-long supply drive to collect hygiene and cleaning items for Gwinnett’s needy seniors and children. Items may be dropped off at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive, in Lawrenceville or the Gwinnett Water Resources Central Facility, 684 Winder Hwy., in Lawrenceville.

Items that are needed include:

• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Kiddie bandages
• Wet wipes
• Sunscreen
• Hand soap
• Hand sanitizer
• Toilet paper
• Paper towels
• Household disinfectant/cleaner
• Trash bags

To learn more about activities offered during National County Govern­ment Month, visit www.gwinnettcounty.com.