For the Tomahawk Leader

TOMAHAWK – Next week, area residents will have the opportunity to take advantage of the longest day of the year by raising awareness for a good cause.

The summer solstice, the day with the most light, falls on Sunday, June 20 this year. Around the world, thousands of people will use the long period of daylight to participate in The Longest Day®, “to fight the darkness of Alzheimer’s through an activity of their choice,” a release from the Alzheimer’s Association said.

“Participants will use their creativity and passion to raise funds and awareness to advance Alzheimer’s Association® care, support and research programs,” the release stated.

The Longest Day coincides with Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month® in June.

Tomahawk’s very own CrossFit gym – CrossFit 453, 1509 N. 4th St., Tomahawk (behind Health in Motion) – will host the Longest Day event to shine a light on the more than six million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease and more than 11 million family members and friends providing care and support.

Participants will have two opportunities to partake in physical activity on Sunday, June 20. Registration and warm-up will begin at 6:30 a.m., followed by workout #1 at 7 a.m., which will be a traditional CrossFit workout with modification for everyone. Workout #2 will start at 8 a.m. and will be walk, jog or run.

“We want to support the cause and bring awareness to the importance of physical activity and brain health,” said gym owner Joan Litwitz.

“Physical activity is a valuable part of any overall body wellness plan and is associated with a lower risk of cognitive decline,” the release explained. “Physical exercise is needed to elevate your heart rate. This will increase the blood flow to your brain and body, providing additional nourishment while reducing potential dementia risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol. Keep your heart healthy to help keep your brain healthy.”

Growing evidence suggests that many factors that increase the risk of heart disease also may increase the risk of dementia, the release noted. To learn more, visit www.bit.ly/2TQMEM1.

To participate in The Longest Day event at CrossFit 453, a $35 dollar donation is requested, which will include a coached/guided workout, a snack and/or beverage, and a T-shirt. Shirt orders can be placed at the event.

For more information, call or text Joan Litwitz at 715-651-2120 or visit www.facebook.com/runjumpliftclimb.

About the Alzheimer’s Association®

The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. For more information, visit www.alz.org or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.