DaytonDailyNews.com

"Live Well in Mason" is a new wellness-based program series being brought to the community by the partnership between the city of Mason and TriHealth, which includes Bethesda and Group Health Associates. The kick-off reception is open to the public and will take place at 6:15 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10, at the Mason Municipal Center, 6000 Mason-Montgomery Road, before the Mason City Council meeting. Refreshments will be provided by Homemade Dreams, the café in the Mason Community Center.

At the reception, Tom Grossmann, mayor of Mason, will provide an update about the progress of Mason's partnership with TriHealth to build a healthier city. The event will also include an update on the Community Center expansion project, which includes a health care facility with Group Health Associates physicians, Bethesda Physical Therapy services, and more. In the true spirit of the partnership and the shared dedication to building a healthier city, John Prout, president and chief executive officer of TriHealth, will join Mayor Grossmann for a preview of screenings to be offered to Mason residents as part of the Live Well in Mason program, including cholesterol screening, blood pressure check, and body composition testing.

There will also be an open house at the Mason Community Center all day on Thursday, Nov. 13 (5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. - pools close at 9 p.m.). Free fitness screenings, nutrition tips, swim testing, kid-friendly activities, health and wellness information, and more will be offered from 9 to 11 a.m. and from 5 to 8 p.m. That day, non-members can enjoy the center at no charge, and those who want to become members or upgrade their pass can take advantage of special enrollments options available.

Free Screenings – Fasting cholesterol and blood sugar screenings are being offered the following week, Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m., and Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 9 to 11 a.m. The screenings are free, but pre-registration is required in-person at the Mason Community Center or by calling the center at 513-229-8555. When registering, participants should ask about fasting requirements if they are unsure of what is expected.

Great American Smokeout – In recognition of the Great American Smokeout on Nov. 20, the Mason Community Center, Group Health Associates and Bethesda will share educational information about smoking cessation. Created by the American Cancer Society, the Great American Smokeout is a national challenge to help Americans quit smoking. Literature with tips to help smokers quit the habit successfully will be available at the Community Center that day.

Continue to look for new Live Well in Mason programs monthly as the partnership of the City of Mason, Mason Community Center, Bethesda, and Group Health Associates moves forward.