Story by Danita Boonchaisri and Photograph by August Selckmann

As the weather turns ever more pleasant, the great outdoors beckon. Why not enjoy a little fresh air and sunshine while taking in Southern Maryland’s beautiful vistas from the saddle of a bicycle?

Story by Michelle Brosco Christian and Photograph by Calvert Memorial Hospital

After one of Kristy Wilhite’s students battled cancer and survived eight incidences, she knew she had to get involved. That’s what prompted the St. Mary’s County middle school teacher to become a major organizer of the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event.

Story by Barbara Elizabeth Graf and Photograph by Sean O’Brien

The number of deaths from all types of cancer combined in the U.S. is continuing a decline that began in the early 1990s, according to the “Annual Report to the Nation on the Status of Cancer” published by the American Cancer Society earlier this year. This 1.6 percent decrease in cancer deaths on average was calculated by four coordinating agencies and the American Cancer Society (ACS) using the most recent cancer data gathered between the years of 2004 and 2008. Although it is slight, a decrease in the number of cancer deaths provides a positive glimmer of hope for all who are fighting the battle against cancer.

Story by Danita Boonchaisri

The pursuit of happiness may have been promised by our country’s founders, but now more than ever it seems Americans are in pursuit of health and wellness. From those who seek help to quit smoking or lose a few pounds to others who want an exercise program to de-stress, get stronger or feel better there are any number of workshops, programs, classes and activities to fit the bill right here in Southern Maryland.

Story by Debra Zimmerman Murphey and Photography by August Selckmann

Americans love sports, adrenaline and outdoor activities – especially newfound interests that test and prime human physiology and anatomy, while also calming the mind. For many Marylanders, Stand Up Paddleboarding, or SUP, is surfacing as one of those.

Story by Michelle Brosco Christian and photography by Ed Mann

Horseback riding is a fun and physical activity for many Southern Marylanders, but for others who have various disabilities, it can literally seem like a lifesaver.

Story by Jamie Clark Tiralla and Photography by August Selckmann

Here in Southern Maryland, the equine industry is diverse and colorful, offering something for every horse enthusiast. Horse farms, stables and riding trails speckle the local landscape, preserving the agricultural charm of our area and providing a source of recreation and enjoyment for its residents.

Humans have been enamored with water for centuries-from the Roman baths, to modern-day, mammoth water parks with slides, lazy rivers and wave pools. Water is soothing and can be provide therapy for both body and mind. So it’s no wonder indoor and outdoor pools in Southern Maryland, along with aquatic exercise, are quickly gaining popularity with residents of all ages and physical stamina.

If you’re looking for the latest ways to get healthy, check out your local hospital. The care provided by Southern Maryland’s hospitals is first rate and has just as much to do with setting broken bones and replacing hip joints as it does with good nutrition, exercise and education.

You shouldn’t just survive after cancer, but thrive-live each day to its fullest. That’s the lesson cancer survivors, or others who have battled life-threatening diseases, learn from their struggles, says La Plata resident Roberta Kieliger. And she should know. Back in 1995 Kieliger was diagnosed with cancer. Several years later, determined to help others diagnosed with breast cancer she formed the support group, “Sisters at Heart.” The group quickly morphed into a local cancer education awareness powerhouse.