Stone Harbor Joins Mayors Wellness Campaign in 2018

STONE HARBOR – On Feb. 13, 2017, the Mayors Wellness Campaign (MWC) named Stone Harbor as New Jersey’s Healthiest Town. In her inaugural year, Mayor Judith Davies-Dunhour deemed that it is not enough for an elected official to simply verbally push an agenda. A governing body needs to lead by example and keep their community on the path to active living and healthier lifestyles.
To stress the importance of staying healthy, especially in the winter months, Davies-Dunhour announced that the Borough of Stone Harbor has once again joined the MWC in 2018.  
“I have been an avid fitness enthusiast my entire adult life and love to share the benefits of healthy living with others,” stated Davies-Dunhour in a release. “Our wellness program is all encompassing. It includes physical activities, mental and social activities, medical professionals and more.  Winter at the shore can be lonely.  We’ll make sure you have plenty to do!”
MWC  is an initiative of the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute in partnership with the New Jersey State League of Municipalities. The mission of the MWC is to equip mayors and other key leaders with the tools to develop and implement active-living initiatives in their communities with the ultimate goal of improving health and reducing the skyrocketing health care costs that come with the obesity problem in New Jersey. Today, the MWC has grown to over 380 municipalities, two-thirds of the state’s 565 municipalities.
The Borough of Stone Harbor is slated to do its part and developed a free 8-week wellness program to guide their community towards becoming a healthier, more active town. The campaign will run from Feb. 1 through March 29. The program will kick off Feb. 1 at 5:30 p.m. at the Stone Harbor Recreation Center, spearheaded by Davies-Dunhour and Dottie Drake, R.N., CPFT in Nursing and Wellness. Drake is an international spokesperson for the senior fitness movement, which she began in 1998, called ‘Fitness First for Women & Seniors.’ For over 19 years, Drake has owned and operated a non-traditional health club, Miracles Fitness, to encourage those not comfortable in the traditional setting. Drake uses her nursing background to assure safety and results for her members. 
In addition to adult programming, in honor of the XXIII Olympic Winter Games beginning in February, Davies-Dunhour felt it was apropos to invite four-time Olympian, Joetta Clark Diggs, back to Stone Harbor to lead an “Olympic” stretch for Stone Harbor Elementary students Feb. 1 at 8:45 a.m. Diggs, NJ’s four-time olympian, motivational extraordinaire and spokeswoman for the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute’s Mayors Wellness Campaign said that, “The Olympic Stretch provides a wonderful opportunity for children to be active and have fun. I am proud to participate in an event that celebrates health and wellness while encouraging people to achieve their best health. Stone Harbor has developed programs that motivates people and ultimately contributes to a lifelong pattern of healthy behaviors and I applaud them for their continuing efforts.” 
The New Jersey-native established the Joetta Clark Diggs Sports Foundation in 2002 to promote involvement with physical activities for girls and boys in grades K-12. She is an Olympic athlete who has made an indelible impact in sports and business. In her legendary 24-year elite career as a half-mile runner, Diggs represented the United States of America at the 1988, 1992, 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games. Diggs is a University of Tennessee graduate who has also made her contribution to society as an inspiring motivational speaker, respected businesswoman, critically acclaimed author, noted television /radio personality and an advocate for health and fitness initiatives.
“Stone Harbor Elementary is undoubtedly fortunate to have Diggs support and encourage our students to be physically active,” stated Dr. Reneé Murtaugh, supervisor of curriculum and instruction for Stone Harbor Elementary. “It is an honor to be included in this year’s Mayor’s Wellness Campaign where our students will learn healthy habits that will last a lifetime.” 
Following Diggs’ appearance, Sol Luna Yoga Studio will lead the elementary students, parents and faculty in a stretch every Thursday morning for the duration of the campaign. Sol Luna Yoga Studio will encourage and promote a positive mental attitude that will allow students to begin their day on the right foot.
The 2018 campaign focus is to offer the community an enriching and accessible program participants can adapt into their everyday routines. With the help of Cape Regional Health System, Stone Harbor is able to educate their community on topics such as busting diet myths, ending procrastination when it comes to your health, and the truth behind your health numbers.
Stone Harbor also partnered with Fred’s Tavern, Sax at the Reeds and the Yacht Club of Stone Harbor to offer nutritional meal specials and creative recipes to keep participants on track. Local fitness studios and gyms will offer complimentary class passes or visits to experience their gyms; Island Aerobics, Miracles Fitness, Muscle World Fitness Center, Stone Harbor Yoga, and Surfside Fitness. 
“Join me in the 2018 Mayor’s Wellness Campaign!” stated Davies-Dunhour. “Don’t give into the doldrums of winter. February and March can be brutal at the Jersey Shore, especially if you don’t keep yourself occupied both physically and mentally. Cold and windy winter months can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness and depression with short days and less social activities taking place around us. The best way to combat those winter blues is by making a commitment to keep moving your body and exercising your mind.  All you have to do is make the commitment and show up…we will do the rest! When spring rolls around you will feel fabulous and wonder where the time went!”
For additional information or to sign-up for Stone Harbor’s 8-week MWC, please visit www.StoneHarborRecreation.com.