Annual family fun day set

By Tereasa Wade, Kenner AHCOctober 6, 2016

Kenner Army Health Clinic hosts 4th annual family 5K volksmarch and health fest
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT LEE, Va. (Oct. 6, 2016) -- Kenner Army Health Clinic is gearing up for its 4th annual family day of fun to welcome fall with a health fair and Volksmarch, Oct. 15, 9-11:30 a.m. Registration begins at 8 a.m. for the 5K walkers/runners.

The event focuses on the Army Surgeon General's Performance Triad initiative to move from a healthcare system to a system for health.

The 5K route will take walkers and runners -- both human and canine -- from the clinic parking lot on A Avenue through the trails of Petersburg National Battlefield Park to raise awareness of the triad. The initiative promotes the importance of physical activity, nutrition and sleep as a holistic approach to care.

Information provided at the fair will educate participants on various ways to make choices to eliminate health risks, such as lack of exercise, obesity and too little sleep, all of which can contribute to chronic disease.

Representatives from Kenner's clinics, Preventive Medicine and the Army Wellness Center are among the many health care entities that will be represented.

"The Kenner Volksmarch is the perfect venue for our families to get out, exercise and enjoy the outdoors," said Lt. Col. Brett H. Venable, KAHC commander. "It also is a great opportunity for our beneficiaries to learn about healthy living as well as the free resources available to them within the Fort Lee community," he said.

Military treatment facilities like Kenner continue to initiate programs like the annual volksmarch and health fair that invests in improving the readiness and resilience of the Army Family.

The event encourages Army family members to incorporate health-promoting behaviors and decisions into their everyday lives or life space.

"The Kenner Volksmarch and Health Fest is a fun family event for the community," said 1st Lt. Kathy Morales, event coordinator. "Kenner wants to promote healthy living for everyone and what better way to do so than a German-inspired 5K Volksmarch that will allow participants to enjoy the beautiful Petersburg Battlefield and have fun with family, friends and our four-legged companions," she said.

Children, ages 12 years and under, will receive a certificate of achievement for their participation in the volksmarch.

Be sure to dust off the lederhosen and dirndls, as German-themed attire is encouraged. Leashed canines that are current on vaccinations also are welcome to join the fun.

For more information, call the KAHC Public Affairs Office at (804) 734-9086.