BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WBNG) – Improving mental well-being through better eating and exercise. That was the goal behind B-Minds’ first-ever “Walk for Wellness.” Organizers, Rania Kahan and Katelyn Wasilenko, told 12 News that proper dieting and exercise are just as important as traditional medicines.
“A majority of health care is based upon medications and prescriptions,” said Kahan. “But food can heal the body, the mind, the soul, all of it.”
They said in their research, they found a correlation between living a healthier lifestyle with a healthier mind and improved cognitive function
“Exercise, along with other healthy habits like eating breakfast and consuming protein sources, all of those actually really contributed to having a higher emotional intelligence,” Wasilenko told 12 News.
Kahan said that while many people want to improve their mental health, they sometimes fall short of taking action
“I think the best thing that you can do for yourself is to realize that you have the power to take your own health into your own hands,” she said
The walk began with a quick Zumba session led by Wasilenko before the group did a lap around Otsiningo Park. She hopes that events like these will inspire others into a lifetime of self-care and betterment.
“Having walks like this is allowing us to support our minds and get our bodies moving,” said Wasilenko. “I feel like all of us really just want to stay fit, so we can play with our grandkids when we’re older and run around with them.”
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