February is National American Heart and National Cancer Prevention Month. American Heart Month is observed every February to raise awareness about heart disease and promote cardiovascular health. The month you wear your heart on your sleeve; it’s fitting you do what you can to care for and protect it.
Our downtown has fantastic health resources serving our community. Healthcare that is specific to heart health is OhioHealth in our 165 West Center building. The OhioHealth Physician Group in Marion provides quality heart and vascular care close to home. They provide routine heart care and management of complex conditions. Their care works to give you the best treatment possible and improve the quality of life.
Another well-known resource downtown is Center Street Community Health Center, which provides an array of health services from medical to chiropractic. Center Street has proudly served in downtown Marion providing the community with high quality preventative and primary health care to keep patients and the community healthy. Their focus is to eliminate as many barriers to health care as possible. Whether you are insured, under insured, or non-insured their goal is to make high-quality healthcare available.
A resource that’s still gaining buzz and traction within our community is Porter Care Clinic, founded by Connect Coworx member, Connie Porter. Porter Care Clinic is a Direct Primary Care clinic that has adopted a membership-based care system, which Connie believes is the future of healthcare. Her practice does not bill insurance. There are no copays, insurance adjustments; all prices are upfront. Connie was inspired to start Porter Care Clinic because she worked in a large health system that put pressure on having short visits and jumping through insurance loopholes. Direct primary care gives her the ability to schedule appointments however long she wants and to be more patient-focused than insurance-focused. If you’re looking for something newer to the health world that is focused on wellness instead of sick care, Porter Care Clinic could be the resource you need.
With all the resources available downtown, give yourself the care you deserve and get an appointment. These practices care about your health and wellbeing. Take care of your heart this month and check in with local clinics to assess your health needs this year.
Rich in life and rich in taste, that’s this downtown community’s tradition.
Put on by Downtown Marion Inc., join in on the fun in Historic Downtown Marion for a delightful event that will satisfy your sweet tooth. Take a leisurely stroll through Historic Downtown Marion, where you can sample a delectable array of chocolates from Downtown Marion Business owners. From rich truffles to creamy fudge, this event is a chocoholic’s paradise. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to treat yourself and discover new chocolate delights. Bring your friends and family for a day of pure indulgence!
Participants who buy tickets will be given:
– A map of the participating merchants that will also incorporate a punch card to encourage them to visit all of the locations. (2026 Starting Location: Harding Centre.)
– A wristband to help the merchants know you’re participating, over 21 will be a different color – for those merchants offering an adult beverage.
– A gift bag to collect your goodies.
Tickets are $20.00 per person. All tickets must be redeemed by 2:00 pm the day of the event to ensure you have enough time to complete the walk.
If you haven’t strolled around downtown lately, the Chocolate Walk is a great way to do that. Will it be cold? Yes. Is there some snow? Yes, although the City of Marion and most all the shop and building owners have done a great job clearing walking pathways. I literally have zigzagged all over the downtown the last 2 weeks and haven’t fallen once! But if you show up when conditions are less than ideal, it means even more to the hardworking merchants and DMI board and committee members who are putting on this fun event. I promise you will discover something fun, new, and/or beautiful if you show up!
I also have enjoyed highlighting some of the health, beauty, and self care services all around the downtown the last few weeks. Most people don’t know what they don’t know, so I hope this continues to solidify your perception that we literally have it all, right here! Imagine if you or a loved one lived downtown. All the food, shopping, entertainment, and services are right outside your door.
And speaking of living downtown, we are now officially accepting applications for The Lydia Lofts, and will be hosting a Ribbon Cutting and Open House this coming Wednesday, February 11 from 4-6pm. If you know a friend, coworker, child, or grandchild who might be interested in one of these jaw-dropping spaces, please share! We also will have info available on hand about other open or opening-soon lofts and apartments in and around the downtown.
Better Together,
Luke Henry Col 3:23
