By Mary O’KEEFE

Glendale Central Park was the site of a party on Saturday that was good for one’s heart and mind.

“We have free healthy food and healthy cooking demonstrations,” said Kristine Kelly, senior communications director, American Heart Association.

The event was a Wellbeing Block Party and was Glendale’s first as part of the American Heart Association in partnership with Adventist Health Glendale.

The purpose was to show people how easy, and fun, it can be to follow a healthy path with Seven Simple Steps suggested by the American Heart Association: 1) Get active. Try to get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate aerobic exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise. 2) Eat better with a colorful diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, poultry, fish and nuts. 3) Lose weight. Maintain a healthy weight. 4) Control cholesterol. 5) Manage blood pressure. 6) Reduce blood sugar. 7) Stop smoking.

Glendale Central Park was filled with booths that provided varied information from learning easy ways to exercise to demonstrations of Glendale Fire Dept.’s sidewalk CPR.

“We also have [Adventist Health] doctors on-site to answer questions,” Kelly said.

Periodically during the day organizers would have special presentations on the stage including holding a Zumba class.

The event was billed as a “party for healthy hearts and minds.” One of the most popular aspects of the event was the food given away that included fruits and vegetables – everything needed for a healthy heart.

Emergency phone numbers beyond 9-1-1 were also shared at the event. Those are: Glendale Police Dept. (818) 548-4911, Glendale Fire (818) 956-4800, Glendale Water and Power (818) 548-2011, Glendale Public Works Emergency line (818) 548-3950, SoCal Gas Company (800) 427-2200, Pasadena Humane Society (626) 792-7151 and American Red Cross/Glendale (818) 243-3121.

If you missed the Glendale Wellbeing Block Party there are two more events, one on Sept. 15 at Simi Valley Days, Simi Valley Town Center, 1555 Simi Town Center Way from noon to 4 p.m. and Oct. 12 at Mariachi Plaza Boyle Heights, 730 Pleasant Ave., LA from 8 a.m. to noon. For more information call (213) 291-7092.

  Mary Okeefe