Healthy Countryside is a resident-driven initiative to improve the health of people who live, work, and play in Countryside through health education, access to resources, and social support — making healthy lifestyle choices easier.
Did you know?
Healthy Countryside started as a grassroots initiative in Countryside and grew into OptWell, a nonprofit organization now supporting multiple communities across Chicago's western suburbs. Go Countryside!
Although Healthy Countryside started in Countryside, all of its programs are available to the broader community. The more that healthy habits are "the norm," the easier it is for all of us to make healthy choices.
Healthy Countryside is supported by the Healthy Countryside Committee and OptWell, working together to bring evidence-based wellness programs and resources to our community.
Our Goals for Community Members
- Chronic disease prevention
- Healthy adults and kids
- Mental wellness
- Decreased loneliness and isolation
Healthy Habits
OptWell and Healthy Countryside emphasize five key healthy habits that reduce the risk of chronic disease and support overall well-being:
Eat Well: Nourish your body with balanced, whole foods and water that fuel energy and longevity. Think brain-healthy choices like leafy greens, berries, and limiting added sugar.
Get Moving: Prioritize daily activity — walking, stretching, strength training, or any movement that keeps your body strong.
Maintain Your Mental Wellness: Build cognitive fitness and emotional well-being through lifelong learning, brain-challenging activities, mindfulness, and social connection.
Get Quality Sleep: Support your brain and body with consistent, restorative rest—aim for at least 7 hours each night.
Manage Health: Stay proactive with preventive care, early attention to concerns, and managing known conditions for long-term well-being.
Explore OptWell's curated resources on healthy habits and modifiable risk factors — things we can change to lower the risk of chronic disease — and learn about the organizations we partner with to strengthen community wellness.
Mindful Movement Sessions
Feeling stressed? Ready to move your body and calm your mind? These free in-person group sessions in Countryside and other nearby locations are for adults of all ages and fitness levels bringing together physical activity, mental wellness, and social connection. Sign up for a session here.
Upcoming Events Calendar:
February 24, 2026: Find Your Calm- Reduce Stress, Beat Burnout, & Boost Mental Well-BeingFrom 6:30-8 p.m., join us at Lyons Township High School South Campus for an evening of real stories, expert guidance, and practical tools to help you manage stress, prevent burnout, and strengthen your mental well-being. The program includes a panel of mental health and wellness experts, plus a resource fair featuring local organizations that support adults and high school students. The event is free and open to the community — come find tools and connections to strengthen your well-being.
Presented by OptWell in partnership with Lyons Township High School and HelloCollege.
Visit OptWell's events page to register and for details on additional programs.
Past Events
April 10, 2025: Healthy Aging Presentation and Resource Fair
Learn how to reduce your risk of getting Alzheimer's or another dementia, when and how to seek support for yourself or a loved one, and strategies and resources for healthy aging. The video of this presentation can be found here.
January 22, 2025: Mental Health and Wellness Presentation and Resource Fair at Lyons Township High School Reber Center
Learn about the most common mental health conditions impacting kids and adults in the U.S., when and how to seek support, how to build emotional resilience, and strategies for managing stress, anxiety, and depression. LTTV's video of this presentation can be found here.
October 17, 2024: Health Benefits of Plant-Based Nutrition Presentation
What you eat plays a vital role in your health. Eating a daily variety of whole plants (vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds, mushrooms, and herbs) and less ultra-processed and sugary food lowers the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, dementia, and some cancers. Learn about nutrition research insights and get tips on how to incorporate more plants into your meals. LTTV's video of this presentation can be found here.
Healthy Hotspot Restaurant Program
The Healthy Hotspot Restaurant Program encourages restaurants to offer — and the community to eat—more whole plant foods, making healthy choices easier. Healthy Hotspots are independently owned restaurants in Countryside that offer at least two healthy, plant-based entrées that meet Healthy Hotspot program requirements.
Check out the plant-based entrées at these Healthy Hotspot Restaurants: Viet Heritage Cuisine, Ledo's Pizza, and Rafferty's Irish Pub.
Healthy Countryside Committee Members:
Co-Chairs: Kris Lonsway and Liz Valdes, Residents
- Mayor Sean McDermott
- Alderman John Von Drasek
- Dr. Olga Garcia-Bedoya, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago
- Dr. Laura Laskonis, All Star Pediatrics
- Dr. Socorro Mendoza, La Grange School District 105
- Sabrina Bahir, Pillars Community Health
- Laurie Knutte, Plant-based Nutrition Consultant
- Betsy Finn, Resident
- Lourdes Becerra, Access to Care