LEWISTON – “Feeling Better, Bit by Bit” is the most recent program development of the 100 Pine Street Center, which has launched a six-month program of weekly wellness events.

The kickoff recently occurred with an orientation to healthy eating presented by Little Lad’s Restaurants and Bakery. Upcoming presentations include an introduction to mall walking, a trip to Johnny’s Selected Seeds and a tour of the Lots to Gardens.

Each of the programs will address one of six topics: “Eating Healthy on a Budget,” “Becoming More Active,” “Stress Management,” “Smoking Cessation,” “Food Addictions” and a month of “Celebration of Accomplishments.”

Planning the activities are Carole Mosher, Maxine Getchell, Jean Nielsen, Lynda Morin, Russell Getchell, Susan Wygal and John Coffin, director of programs for Common Ties Mental Health.

Assisting in the “Bit by Bit” program will be Jessica Balkun Begley, health promotion manager for Healthy Androscoggin, and Roxanne Noonan, nutrition specialist with the Cooperative Extension Service.

Healthy Androscoggin is a community coalition dedicated to improving the health of Androscoggin County residents through a comprehensive community-based approach. The Extension Service programs cover a wide range of topics related to sustainable agriculture, natural resources, families and youth development.

“Bit by Bit” is an outgrowth of the Primary and Behavioral Heath Care Integration Project, a partnership of Common Ties and the B Street Health Center and is based on the premise that anyone can have an affect on the long-term outcomes of recurrent illness by taking an active role in personal recovery.

By making small changes in diet, exercise, stress management and other behaviors bit by bit, “one day at a time,” people can play a big part in improving and maintaining their own health and well being.

Common Ties Mental Health, a member agency of the United Way of Androscoggin County, provides community living services and resources to residents of the Androscoggin Valley who cope with a mental health illness.

For more information, contact Craig Phillips, executive director, are 795-6044; 100 Pine St., Lewiston; [email protected]; or www.commonties.org.