Mind + Body: February 2019
Love Your Heart: Take control of your heart health.
February is American Heart Month, and what better way to celebrate than with wine? According to the Mayo Clinic, red wine (in moderation) can be heart healthy thanks to antioxidants that may help prevent coronary artery disease. On Feb. 7, join Touro Infirmary for Women, Heart Health & Wine at Auction House Market from 6-8 p.m. The ladies night out and wine tasting event costs $20 and includes a glass of wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres, plus discussions about women’s wellness, heart health and nutrition. Touro cardiologists and representatives from the American Heart Association will be on hand to answer questions.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, and, every year, one in four deaths are caused by heart disease.
However, heart disease can be prevented by making healthy choices. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, smoking, obesity, diabetes, physical inactivity and unhealthy eating. So, be sure to talk to your doctor to find ways to keep these risk factors in check. 801 Magazine St., (504) 372-4321, touro.com/events
Race Ready: Get jazzed about the Rock ’N’ Roll New Orleans Marathon, taking place this month.
Lace up your sneakers and get ready for the Humana Rock ’N’ Roll New Orleans Marathon Feb. 9-10. With more than 14,000 attendees, this race is one of the largest running events in the Big Easy. In addition to the full marathon ($142), there is also a half marathon ($122) and 10K race ($72), all taking place on Feb. 10. For those who aren’t ready to take on that much road just yet, there’s also a 5K run ($62) on Feb. 9. The full marathon course starts at Poydras Street at Camp Street, and it finishes at Roosevelt Mall in City Park.
Also be sure to check out the Health & Fitness Expo, taking place Feb. 8-9 at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center| (Hall C), where all participants must pick up their race packets. Free and open to the public, the expo also features the latest in running technologies and fitness apparel, health and nutrition information, and interactive displays. And for yet another dash of fun, Preservation Hall Jazz Band will headline the Toyota Rock ‘N’ Roll Concert Series. runrocknroll.com
Maria’s Pick — Spiritual Healing: Enjoy quiet reflection at the Archdiocese of New Orleans Retreat Center.
For more than 60 years, the Archdiocese of New Orleans Retreat Center has welcomed those looking for spiritual sanctuary. Its motto, “Come to the quiet, encounter the sacred,” aptly describes the atmosphere of peaceful reflection. The retreat rests on 11 secluded acres on the shores of Lake Ponchartrain and features a main house with 54 private bedrooms for overnight stays. There’s also a chapel that seats 80 people; a main meeting room that seats up to 55 people; a library and large parlor that can be used for private reading and reflection, or as a meeting room; two dining rooms; several smaller parlors for individual meetings with spiritual directors or counselors; and more.
The next overnight retreat takes place March 8-10 and is titled “The Road to Emmaus: God’s Loving and Merciful Desire for Encounter with Us,” presented by Rev. Joe Krafft. In addition to overnight retreats, the center also offers days of prayer. For example, on Feb. 19, Sr. Janet Franklin presents “Balance in Our Busy Lives,” which includes prayer, poetry, art and music. “Whether you are a Catholic, or someone who is simply wanting to get closer to God, the Retreat Center is a beautiful place to do so,” says Maria Muro, publisher of New Orleans Living. 5500 St. Mary St., Metairie, 504-887-1420, neworleansretreats.com