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Gym raises awareness of veteran suicide by hosting local Workout of the Day event

Sawyer County Record - 4/14/2017

Supporting gyms and CrossFit boxes across the United States converged Saturday, April 8, to take part in the WOD (workout of the day) to End Veteran Suicide. Malnourie GymRage in Northwoods Beach hosted the local WOD.

Active Heroes presented this event to raise awareness of veteran suicide, honoring those whose lives have been affected by the veteran suicide epidemic. Honorees include active military, veterans and military families.

A large group of people from Hayward turned out to do 22 exercises at 22 reps each, as 22 veterans take their own lives every day, which adds up to over 8,000 each year, and over 100,000 since Sept. 11, 2001. The workouts included pushups, pullups, biking and rowing machines, weight lifting, jump roping, squats and more.

While veterans represent less than 1 percent of the national population, they represent almost 25 percent of the national suicide rate. The workout helped to address and relieve triggers to suicide such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression through fitness and building camaraderie. This event was also to let military and veterans, and families, know they are not alone.

Active Heroes is a 501c3 charitable organization based in Louisville with a mission to reduce veteran suicide through a military family retreat and free programs for families. National resources such as discounted services and mentors exist to help the movement.

For more information, visit www.activeheroes.org.