Rutherford Chamber Hosts First Health Week

By Jennifer Ersalesi

Rutherford is home to many businesses and groups that focus on physical and mental health. The Rutherford Chamber of Commerce aims to promote local businesses and non-profit organizations and provide them with opportunities to meet the community and explain more about their businesses. Health Week enabled many of the local health-based Chamber members to invite the community to learn more about them and their services.

The week kicked off on Friday, June 9th with a Town-Wide Meditation led by Elements Body & Mind. The public was invited to gather at Lincoln Park where the meditation was live-streamed. Everyone also had access to the live-stream from home or any other location. Joachim Becker, licensed Massage Therapist, from NJ Holistic Health Services was also at Lincoln Park where he played calming music on a variety of different flutes. On Saturday, June 10th Fred Astaire Dance Studio held line, merengue, salsa, and swing dance lessons in Lincoln Park.

Throughout the week there was an evening lecture by Dr. Aanand Geria of Geria Dermatology about sun protection and skin cancer awareness in his Rutherford office. The Borough held its Mayor's Wellness Bike Ride, during which children and adults rode together. Weeklong Specials were offered by Elite Fitness, Rutherford Eye Care, and Underground Trainers. Jennifer Layne Acupuncture had 30 minute "Just Try It" Acupuncture sessions with Renuka Pinto, PT. Rutherford Eye Care explained, "It’s wonderful to participate in community events based around our health! It was really motivating to perform some self care and help improve the lives of others."

Health Week continued with a special Wellness Wednesday event that combined Body Sculptors, Fond & Faye, Become One, Dumpling Dojo, and the Rutherford Run Club. The day included Yoga by Become One, Skin Care Q&A by Fond & Faye, "How to Start Running" by the Rutherford Runners, and "How to Start a Healthy Lifestyle, Q&A" with Body Sculptors. Smile Today Dentistry offered free Oral Cancer Screenings, Consultations, a Q&A about Dental Health, and education about the Oral-Systemic Link.

The week concluded with the Rutherford Runners leading a 5K Fun Run & Walk on Friday, June 16th, World Running Day, while BeWell Juice provided juices and smoothies after the run. On Saturday, June 17th the Rutherford Swim Association hosted an 800 meter swim.

Manny Padron, co-owner of BeWell, was delighted to make a positive impact on the well-being of the community through this initiative. "As participants in Rutherford's first annual health week, we collaborated with the Rutherford Runners, a local running group, to organize a 5K open to the community. The event garnered an impressive turnout, fostering community engagement and promoting an active lifestyle. As a tribute to the Rutherford Runners, we proudly introduced our new smoothie, the Pina Colada, which incorporates protein, collagen, pineapple, banana, and coconut oil. This refreshing blend was specially crafted to replenish and nourish participants after their run, highlighting our commitment to supporting our communities health journey."