FLEMING ISLAND – Getting started on a plan for better health is more accessible now with the opening of the new Baptist Wellness Center at Fleming Island, which provides health and wellness services to the community – many at no cost.

Free services include biometric screenings, wellness coaching, health education for women, healthy cooking demonstrations, various holistic services and talks with physicians and other local health experts. Clients do not need to be Baptist Health patients to receive services.

Lisa Bradford, RN, a certified wellness coach and personal trainer, is available to help clients determine their health goals and develop a personalized plan.

Bradford has a passion for wellness and is a Clay County native excited to bring this accessible health service to her fellow neighbors and the surrounding community.

“The Baptist Wellness Center is a place that will provide a welcoming experience where you will feel at home,” she said. Bradford is looking forward to helping Clay County residents make a positive difference in their health.

One of the first steps in seeing a health coach is usually a biometric screening, which includes checking blood pressure, body composition, cholesterol, triglycerides and blood sugar. Each session lasts about an hour. Getting a health screening provides a good baseline to see progress.

“I’m here to be a supportive mentor and motivate people to make positive health choices and realize their personal wellness goals,” said Bradford, whose personal victories include completing three marathons and summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Bradford acknowledges every client is different and so are their goals.

“For some, it’s maintaining their health; for others, it’s stepping it up to the next level. Whatever a person’s goals are, our job is to help them get there with the right tools and motivation,” she said.

Even minor improvements can yield big results.

“Small tweaks can make a big difference,” Bradford said. “Just 150 minutes of activity a week – 30 minutes a day for five days – can lower your blood pressure and get your heart in better shape,” she said.

A jogging path connecting to Black Creek Trail is conveniently located on the Baptist Clay campus.

The new Baptist Wellness Center is adjacent to the Baptist Clay hospital at Baptist HealthPlace at Fleming Island, 2310 Village Square Pkwy., Suite 101.

Fleming Island is the fifth Wellness Center Baptist Health has opened. Other locations include Nocatee, Riverside, Mandarin and Dunn Avenue.

For more information and to schedule an appointment, call (904) 516-1500.