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Participants in the free Zumba class at Brookside Community Health Center don beaded scarves around their waists halfway through the hour-long class.
It was not your typical lunch hour at Brookside Community Health Center. Instead of sitting down to brown bag lunches and leftovers, staff and visitors found themselves rolling their hips and moving their feet to the beats of Latin music. On Aug. 11, 15 people participated in the free Zumba class at Brookside, offered as part of the health center’s National Health Center Week celebration.
“This week gives us a chance to share our services with the community and also to have a little fun while we’re at it,” said Paula M. McNichols, executive director at Brookside. “Our Health Career Connection interns brought in Zumba instructors because it’s an exercise that is fun and easy to follow—and it’s a great way to keep your heart healthy.”
The rest of the week’s activities focused on introducing health center staff to the community, sharing healthy recipes with staff and patients and providing emergency-preparedness materials for patients and families. In addition to two free Zumba classes, WIC staff and Brookside interns also led visitors on a guided trip to the Jamaica Plain Farmers’ Market.
Participants of all activities received giveaways ranging from water bottles and pedometers to handy reusable shopping bags.