HEALTH
Above – The Kids’ Company 2K run takes off at Redtail Ridge Elementary. At right – Cathy Riihl, wellness manager at Mazopiya natural food store, stands in front of an aisle of natural remedies. (Photos by Hannah Jones)
PRIOR LAKE HAS WHAT THE BODY NEEDS P
rior Lake is a great place to get and stay healthy. Residents have access to some of the best hospitals in the state. St. Francis Regional Medical Center in Shakopee is only 10 miles away, and Allina, Fairview and Park Nicollet all serve the area, too. The city itself is home to a number of specialized health offices. Whether you need a dentist, a chiropractor, an optometrist or a psychologist, you’ll be able to find one somewhere near you. Of course, the basics of preventative health boil down to two basic components: eating right and exercising. Prior Lake has everything a body needs in order to do both. Prior Lake’s farmer’s markets and grocery stores have all the leafy greens necessary for an average balanced diet, and conscious eaters who want the closest and cleanest food supply won’t go wanting, either. Wozupi Tribal Gardens, part of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, grows local, organic produce using sustainable farming techniques. Amateur farmers and foragers can learn more about growing and gathering healthy foods at Wozupi’s yearround classes, or they can pick up some weekly groceries at the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s natural food market, Mazopiya. Besides the essentials, they also carry natural remedies, supplements, gluten- and dairy-free products and fresh coffee, smoothies and deli items at their snack bar. There are also a wide variety of ways to stay active in Prior Lake. Many residents will say that the best way to get moving is
The town boasts more than 1,000 acres of parkland and 80 miles of sidewalks and trails – so cardio is never far away. taking a stroll around one of Prior Lake’s many parks and shorelines. The town boasts more than 1,000 acres of parkland and 80 miles of sidewalks and trails. “Lakefront Park is always my favorite,” Sandi Fleck of the Prior Lake Chamber of Commerce said. “I like to take the gang down to the water.” But if you’re more of a window shopper than a park nut, don’t worry — there’s something for you, too. VFW Commander Rachel Mahoney only has to exit her command post to take a stroll. “I think Main Street is a great place to walk around,” she said.