WHAT:          The Oregon Health & Science University Center for Women’s Health is offering free fitness classes during the week of May 11 – 15 to highlight the benefits of physical activity. A variety of exercise classes, including Chi Qigong, yoga, Ai Chi, cycling, aqua aerobics, among others, will be held at various locations throughout the Portland metro-area.

On Monday, May 11, Britta Torgrimson, Ph.D., will discuss the numerous health benefits of exercise during a kick-off event at Portland State University.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to share and learn ways to become more proactive with our health,” said Clara Welsch, M.S.W., a member of the National Women’s Health Week planning committee and a health educator in the Oregon Office on Disability and Health at OHSU.

WHEN:          Kickoff event: Monday, May 11, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Fitness classes will be held at various times and locations throughout the week. For a detailed schedule and to register, visit www.ohsuwomenshealth.com/community/whw.html.

WHERE:       Kickoff event will be held at the Native American Student & Community Center, Portland State University, 710 S.W. Jackson Street, Portland 97201.

DETAILS:     Many classes will be accessible to people with disabilities. Space is limited so online registration is strongly recommended.

National Women’s Health Week is a collaboration among the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health, Women with Disabilities Health Equity Coalition (WowDHEC), the Disability Art and Culture Project, Oregon Office on Disability Health, the Native American Center and the Portland Development Commission.

For more information about National Women’s Health week, May 10 – 16, visit www.womenshealth.gov/whw/about/