Living in the City of Brotherly Love (aka Philly) means navigating its unique challenges and vibrant culture. Did you know that Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic residents in Philadelphia face worsening life expectancy compared to other groups, with heart disease and diabetes being leading causes of death? This makes prioritizing health, access to care, and self-advocacy more important than ever.
Our NOWINCLUDED community members, Areej and Torry, have scouted out some of the best local spots to help you stay active and eat well, directly supporting your health journey.
Move Your Body
Physical activity is crucial for managing conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
- Urban Movement Arts (UMA):
For movement that nourishes your soul and body, UMA offers diverse dance forms like Black American folkloric and Latin American dance. Areej loves it because “it’s a safe space where you don’t feel judged (even for non-dancers, like me) and the instructors are super friendly!” These joyful, community-based movements can help lower blood pressure and improve glucose regulation, directly impacting diabetes and heart health.- Website: https://www.urbanmovementarts.com/
- Where: 2100 Chestnut St 2nd floor, Philadelphia, PA 19103
Price range: $$
~$20 per class. Offer a $75 pass for 5 classes
Price range: $$
- Areej’s class recommendations (for beginners):
- Beginner Hip Hop with Ricky Evans
- Beginner Hip Hop Grooves with Sangita Pawar
Areej’s class recommendations (for beginners):- Echelon Health & Fitness:
Beyond a standard gym, Echelon has two community-focused locations. Torry highlights its comprehensive approach: “They offer so many different programs outside of just fitness. They offer child swimming/water safety lessons, discounts to local health & healthy eating locations, and family swim days.” Regular exercise, especially swimming, is excellent for cardiovascular (heart) health and can help manage diabetes. Echelon is just a short drive from Philly.- Website: https://www.echelonhf.com/
- Where: 1160 White Horse Rd, Voorhees Township, NJ 08043
- Price range: $
Gold membership for $55/month gives you access to the gym as well as their indoor/outdoor group classes - Torry’s class recommendations:
- Thrive Bootcamp with Thomas Brown
- Yin Yoga with Leah T Pillegi
Eat Well, Live Better
Healthy eating is a cornerstone for preventing and managing chronic heart conditions.
- Grandma’s Philly:
Get ready for a taste sensation! This Thai tapas spot uses freshly made dishes from local ingredients. Areej raves, “It’s my favorite thai spot in Center City. You can tell all of their ingredients are fresh.” Choosing fresh ingredients over processed ones is key for reducing sodium and unhealthy fats, which benefits heart health and diabetes management.- Website: https://www.grandmasphilly.com/
- Where: 1304 Walnut Street, Philadelphia PA 19107
- Price range: $$
- Areej’s menu recommendations:
- Crying Grandma Beef
- Chicken Khao Soi
- Spicy Garlic Eggplant
- Bar BomBon:
Craving vibrant, plant-based Latin American flavors? Bar BomBon offers a delicious break from meat. Torry appreciates that “Everything here is vegan and tasty. It’s nice to get a break from meat at prices that aren’t crazy, especially for a restaurant in downtown Philly.” A plant-based diet is strongly recommended for managing diabetes and heart disease due to its fiber content and lower saturated fat.- Website: https://barbombon.com/
- Where: 133 S 18th St, Philadelphia, PA 19103
- Price range: $$
- Torry’s menu recommendations:
- Hearts of Palm “Fish” Tacos
- Chorizo Stuffed Poblano Pepper
- Peruvian Yuca
Ready to explore these Philly gems and take control of your health? Connect with Areej and Torry and more local health guides in the NOWINCLUDED app!
