“Fresh Air, Self-Care Chesco:” A Campaign For Healthy Living

WEST CHESTER, PA – Chester County commissioners Wednesday launched a “Fresh Air, Self-Care Chesco,” campaign encouraging residents to stay healthy through easy outdoor activities close to home.

Commissioner Marian Moskowitz, chairwoman, said studies have shown that a 10-minute walk can boost energy, clear the mind, and raise spirits.

“So we want people to get outside – the ‘Fresh Air’ piece – and take a daily ten-minute walk – the ‘Self-Care’ piece,” Moskowitz said. “Doing more than that is great, but just a little fresh air activity can truly help.”

The campaign was initiated by Chester County Youth Mental Health Coalition, a countywide initiative led by state Rep. Christina Sappey, a Chester County Democrat.

“I am very pleased to see a recommendation from the coalition enacted, especially during the winter months when anxiety and depression tend to increase,” said Sappey said.

Sappey said she looks forward to continued collaboration with the commissioners to help families struggling with access and treatment of mental health issues for their loved ones.

The coalition is comprised of state legislators, county officials, school administrators, the Chester County Intermediate Unit, local higher education institutions, and behavioral health providers.

The initiative highlights the public outdoor settings in Chester County.

They include:

• Marsh Creek State Park: a park and 535-acre creek in north-central Chester County.
• French Creek State Park: park in Berks and Chester counties
• Valley Forge National Historic Park: 3,500 acres of monuments, meadows and woodland commemorating the Revolutionary War in Chester and Montgomery counties

County departments including Mental Health/Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities, Health Department, Parks + Preservation, and Planning Commission participated in setting up the campaign.

County Commissioner Josh Maxwell, a team member, said the county has an amazing number of outdoor resources and activities that are all free.

For example, he said, the Chester County Trailfinder Guide is an interactive map showing every trail and who owns it.

Commissioner Michelle Kichline said taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body.

“We plan to spread the word about Chester County’s wealth of outdoor options through this campaign and encourage schools, libraries, senior centers, afterschool groups, businesses, municipalities, and more to promote Fresh Air, Self-Care Chesco,” she said.

More information is available at the new Fresh Air, Self-Care Chesco webpage, www.chesco.org/fresh-air.