Healthy Living By Healthy Countryside

01/31/2026

If you are a healthcare provider, community leader, and/or educator, please register and join us March 19th, 8:30-11:30am, for this important FREE brain health workshop (and healthy breakfast) in Countryside. Details and registration info below.

OptWell is excited to offer an amazing Brain Health workshop for Healthcare Providers & Community Leaders on March 19.
• Contact us about sponsorships to help offset some of our food, beverage & venue expenses. Thank you.
• Registration is now open — note this free workshop is limited to a target audience.

We will be hosting a public event on this topic in April (and seeking sponsorships for that as well).

Visit our website for details on all our events and programs. https://optwell.org/

12/14/2025

Join us this Thursday, 9:30-10:30, for the last FREE Mindful Movement session of the year. See below and OptWell's website for details. All ability levels age 18+ are welcome!

Fun Fact: OptWell started as the Healthy Countryside initiative and then expanded to support more communities in Chicago's western suburbs. Go Countryside!

Holidays can be stressful, which is why it’s important to and pay attention to your . Sign up for our final 2025 Mindful Movement session on Thursday am at First Congregational Church of WS.
https://optwell.org/events/mindful-movement-sessions/

11/02/2025

Learn more about the latest Alzheimer’s/dementia research, plus practical tools and resources for reducing your risks and helping loved ones—hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter at Northwestern this Friday, Nov 7, 9:30am - 2:30pm.

The event is free, and you’ll enjoy a complimentary breakfast and lunch as well as access to many local resources that support families.

Register here on OptWell's website: https://optwell.org/events/

Join OptWell for community wellness events! Volunteer, sponsor, and attend our Healthy Aging Presentation. Engage in health initiatives today!

09/14/2025

Our September/October newsletter focused on Mental Wellness, one of OptWell's evidence-based healthy habits that helps people live longer, healthier lives.

One of the resources we shared was the Mental Health Workbook & Journal created by Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center to address three prevalent mental health challenges: Grief, Depression and Anxiety. https://online.fliphtml5.com/fkxhx/ocfm/ =1

Read our full newsletter at: https://conta.cc/4oWjFAz for additional resources.
Be sure to subscribe to our newsletter on our website: https://optwell.org/

09/13/2025

If you or someone you know is struggling with grief or loss, read more and join us at this event Wednesday, September 17th. Let's learn more as a community and strengthen our mental wellness together!

Quote from OptWell's president, Kris Lonsway - Leadership Coach & Alzheimer's Prevention Advocate …. “We’re really trying to create a whole community who is more skilled with having the conversations and building their own coping skills for resilience and mental health".

RSVP and join others for our Understanding Grief and Building Resilience: Tools for Helping & Healing Event with The Community House on Wednesday, September 17.

Read today's article from Hinsdalean online at: https://www.thehinsdalean.com/story/2025/09/11/news/program-to-help-adults-teens-with-grief/9859.html

Resource tables at event: Widows in the Workplace The Loft at Eight Corners NAMI Metro Suburban Pillars Community Health Aging Care Connections The Community House Grief Connection Space Wellness House D181 Foundation

RSVP link on our website: https://optwell.org/events/

09/13/2025

Amazing kickoff Mindful Movement session at beautiful Countryside Park! Check out https://optwell.org/events/mindful-movement-sessions/ and register for indoor sessions in Countryside and Western Springs.

09/01/2025

Excited about so many FREE Mindful Movement sessions available this Fall! Register and join us for the Kickoff session Saturday, Sept 6, 9-10am, at Countryside Park to get a great workout, learn some new mindfulness habits, de-stress, and connect with others. Hope to see you there!

It's almost time! OptWell is excited to share that we are partnering with Aging Care Connections on some of our Mindful Movement Sessions this fall. View details and SIGN UP for one or several sessions (first one is THIS Saturday) at https://optwell.org/events/mindful-movement-sessions/
Photo: MM team planning members Kris Lonsway & Izzy Gandarilla with ACC Carolyn Streit

08/01/2025

Join us August 9, 2-4pm, at Ideal School grounds in Countryside for a preview of Mindful Movement sessions....building fitness, mental wellness, and community at the same time!

Register early for FREE Mindful Movement sessions Sept 6 and Oct 25 at Countryside Park to secure your spot. Hope to see you there!

Have you met our awesome Mindful Movement Planning Team ? We are grateful to them and are excited for you to participate in these sessions. Stop by the D105/Countryside Health & Wellness Event on Sat August 9th from 2-4 for a preview!
More details on our website: https://optwell.org/events/mindful-movement-sessions/

07/29/2025

Exciting news from the Alzheimer's Association and the U.S. POINTER study—more evidence that healthy habits protect brain (and heart) health! Healthy Countryside and OptWell, our partner organization, promote evidence-based healthy habits: Eat Well, Get Moving, Mental Wellness (including Cognitive Fitness), Quality Sleep, and Manage Health.
Let’s keep spreading the word—healthy habits are powerful and achievable! https://optwell.org/

Older Americans worried about cognitive decline can stay sharper for longer by exercising both their bodies and their brains and eating healthier.