Happenings Spring/Summer Quarter 2014

May

May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. Scientific evidence has strongly demonstrated that it is safe for almost everyone to do moderate intensity physical activity, so take advantage of May’s beautiful weather and get active! Bayou Boogaloo and Greek Fest happen this month, so boogying at the Boogaloo or brushing up on your Greek sirtaki dance at the Fest could be a great start. To avoid injury, choose types of physical activity that are appropriate for your curent fitness level. If you are currently inactive, start with a very low intensity activities and gradually increase how often and how long the activities are done. Walking, gardening, bicycling, dancing, swimming, and golf are activities with the lowest injury rates. If you have chronic pain, be sure to consult your healthcare provider about what type and amount of physical activity is right for you.

June

June is a great month to experience the best of our beloved South Louisiana’s food and music. The New Orleans Oyster Festival is a free festival that happens May 31 through June 1. It features delicious local seafood and music for two days in the French Quarter, so head downtown, crack one open, and start slurpin’! If you miss Oyster Fest, not to worry, two more great free festivals are happening over two days in one neighborhood: Louisiana Cajun- Zydeco Festival and the French Market’s Creole Tomato Festival bring the music and food of our culture to the French Quarter, June 14-15.

July

Spending time outdoors is good for you! Harvard University reports that limited sun exposure can help fight certain conditions like depression and heart attacks, elevates mood, improves concentration, and helps in healing. Make use of this long Fourth of July weekend to get some sunshine (don’t forget the sunscreen!) with family and friends. Don’t miss the fireworks on the Mississippi River on Fourth of July evening! Battling barges ignite a beautiful display in the sky from the middle of the river, and it’s a sight to behold! The show starts around 9pm.

Get your dose of immune system boosting and stress reducing music at July’s Essence Festival. Music has been shown to improve the body’s immune function and relieve anxiety, and with headliners like Prince, Lionel Richie, and Erykah Badu, Essence Fest is a soulful way to chase the blues away.