GFWC-WI Health & Wellness Community Service Program
The human body, mind, and spirit comprise our health and wellness. To improve our well being, we must address three key components: nutrition, disease prevention, and physical and emotional care. This Community Service Program aims to explore the various opportunities for awareness and advancement of each of these vital areas.
Nancy Niedziela, Chairwoman
2026-2028 Unity Project for Health and Wellness - “Move for a Healthier You”
Exercise is vital for health brains and bodies. Regular physical activity helps to keep our thinking, learning, and judgment skills sharp, reduces risk of depression and anxiety, and helps a person sleep better. Each club in Wisconsin is encouraged to emphasize physical activity in its club and community. Spend a few minutes at each meeting practicing chair yoga, balance exercises, and stretching movements. Presidents are encouraged to include exercise tips in their newsletters. Organize a way to recognize those members who have increased their physical activity.
In the community, organize and support community events that feature physical activity. Create walking trails or paths around communities - spend time partnering with other nonproft organizations in support of healthy activities.
Continue to support the dental health projects that you began in the 2024-2026 administration. Underserved children’s dental health is a continuing important need in all of our communities.
February is recognized as Dental Health Month. But dental health, especially in children and even more especially in poor children, is important every month of the year. Poor oral health in children has been linked to poor performance in school, poor social relationships, and less success in later life. Children from low-income families are twice as likely to experience cavities when compared to children from higher-income households. Good dental health is also important in improving self-esteem because healthy teeth and gums are importatn to how children feel about themselves. I would recommend that the focus of a club’s dental/oral health project be on poor children. For information about free or low-cost dental health clinic’s in your area, please reach out to Nancy Niedziela. A club can partner with a clinic with a single project or an ongoing project. Today, tooth decay in children is almost entirely preventable and GFWC-WI can help.
GFWC Manual for Health & Wellness. Click here.