Monroe, Ga. (February 2, 2026) - The Walton County YMCA is celebrating February as Wellness Month, offering a series of free, educational activities designed to help community members stay on track with their New Year’s health goals.
The monthlong initiative is open to the public, with no YMCA membership required, and will be led by Piedmont Walton Community Health Education Nurse Susie Payne. Programming includes expert talks, hands-on demonstrations and presentations from local medical professionals.
“Wellness Month is about giving people practical tools they can use right away to improve their health,” Payne said. “We want participants to leave feeling informed, motivated and supported.”
Each week in February will focus on a different aspect of wellness:
Week One: Nutrition
The month kicks off with a focus on healthy eating and activities include:
- Wednesday, February 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Eat Right Atlanta Farmers Market at Piedmont Walton Hospital, giving participants access to fresh, nutritious food while learning about balanced nutrition.
- Thursday, February 5, at 11:30 a.m. - Jake Conner from the Walton County Extension office will speak on savvy shopping.
Week Two: Foundations
This week emphasizes foot health and proper support.
- Tuesday, February 10, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Road Runner Sports will be on site to scan feet and legs to help ensure healthy footwear. Shoes and socks will be available for purchase.
- Wednesday, February 11 at 12:30 p.m. - A local podiatrist will also speak on the importance of foot health.
- Thursday, February 12 at noon - "Setting Goals That Work".
Week Three: Stress Relief
Participants will explore stress management techniques, with chair massages available on site.
- Thursday, February 19 at 11:30 a.m. - Local physician, Donald Maynard, MD, a general and bariatric surgeon with Piedmont Physicians Bariatric Surgery at Walton, will discuss weight management and its connection to overall wellness.
- Friday, February 20, 11 a.m. to noon - Piedmont Walton Chest Pain and Stroke Program Coordinator Marissa Hadavi will speak on early heart attack signs and symptoms and provide hands‑only CPR training.
Week Four: Move and Sleep
The final week focuses on movement and rest, featuring effective stretching techniques and routines to improve sleep quality.
- Tuesday, February 24 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. - Piedmont Walton Rehabilitation Services Manager Courtney Fuller leads participants in “Stretches That Work”.
- Wednesday, February 25 from 9 a.m. to noon - InBody biometric scale to help participants better understand their body composition.
All Wellness Month activities are free and open to the public. For more information, contact the Walton County YMCA at 770.267.9622.
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