Health Calendar: Get Fit For a Cause

Charity walks and runs are just some of the great health events happening this spring. Illustration via Shutterstock.Shutterstock.com” target=”_blank”>

In a medical hub (and ultra-fit state) like Massachusetts, there are countless health-related events taking place on any given day. If you’re looking for a great way to give back, get some exercise, or just do something fun, here are five upcoming health events.

Newton-Wellesley Hospital Pre-Marathon Injury Screening

With the Boston Marathon fast approaching, the last thing anyone who’s been training for months wants is to be sidelined by injury. That’s why Newton-Wellesley Hospital is offering a series of free clinics during which runners can get free injury screenings from the hospital’s physical therapists. Similar clinics will also be offered after the marathon.
Feb. 25, March 7, and March 11 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Newton-Wellesley Hospital, 2014 Washington St., Newton, 617-243-6000; nwh.org

Climb4Life

The HERA Women’s Cancer Foundation, a nonprofit devoted to ovarian cancer research, will team up with MetroRock Climbing Center on March 2 for a day of rock climbing and fundraising. Rock climbing is an ever-growing fitness trend in Boston, and this event aims to bring together expert and novice climbers alike to benefit ovarian cancer research and awareness. For a $35 registration fee (more fundraising is, of course, encouraged), participants can not only rock climb but complete a ropes course and enjoy yoga, music, and food.
4 p.m. to 10 p.m., MetroRock Climbing Center, 69 Norman St., Everett, 617-387-7625; metrorock.com.

Art beCAUSE Breast Cancer Foundation Zumbathon:

Art beCAUSE, an organization dedicated to researching and ending the environmental causes of breast cancer, is hosting a three-hour charity Zumbathon on April 27. Money raised by participants and their sponsors will go toward Art beCAUSE projects.
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Boston University Case Gymnasium, 285 Babcock St., 617-353-2771; goterriers.com/facilities

Run-Walk to Home Base

Ever dreamed of crossing home plate at Fenway? On May 4 you can, and no baseball skills are required. New Balance is hosting Run-Walk to Home Base, a fundraising nine-kilometer run or two and a half-mile walk for the Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program, which offers clinical care to war veterans suffering from PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, and other ailments. The race’s course winds throughout Boston, and home plate serves as the finishing line.
8 a.m., Fenway Park, 4 Yawkey Way, 617-267-9440; runtohomebase.org

2013 Miles of Memories: Walk of Hope:

Hope Dementia & Alzheimer’s Services, part of the HopeHealth group, will be hosting its 21st annual walk-a-thon to benefit dementia and Alzheimer’s patients and their families in three Massachusetts locations. Participants can decide to designate the funds they raise for either Hope Dementia & Alzheimer’s Services, Hope Hospice, Hope House Calls, or wherever it is most needed.
May 5, 11 a.m., Hyannis Youth & Community Center, 141 Bassett Lane, Hyannis, 508-790-6345; May 19, 11 a.m., Cape Cod Canal, Buzzard’s Bay Park, Main Street, Bourne, 617-973-8500; May 19, Brooks Park, Oak Street, Harwich.