I hope you were able to enjoy your summer, because as long as it seemed to take to get here, it is all but over. The kids are back in school; the week-long trips are over; and the cool, crisp air of autumn will soon be upon us.

Jason Maholy, Editor Community Health Magazine

Not that any of those are bad things. Most parents are probably more excited than the youths about classes being back in session; the holiday season will soon enough afford many people another opportunity to get out of town or at least have a few successive days off; and — if you’re like me — mild sunny days and cool nights beat the heat and humidity of summer. So, take advantage and plan a weekend trip to state park, go apple picking or pumpkin hunting, or run in a 5k or some other race.

This issue of Community Health magazine places an emphasis on physical fitness, and profiles several Westinghouse employees whose endeavors can serve as motivation or inspiration to anyone looking to get in better shape, or build on the goals they may have already accomplished. A husband and wife who found fitness, fun and good competition in CrossFit workouts; two people who have found passion in pushing their physical limitations; and a man who is working to get back in the gym and on the flag football field after undergoing shoulder surgery and impatiently going through the long, arduous rehab process.

We also have a story about activities and exercises you can do to stay active and keep burning those calories as summer transitions to autumn and the latter progresses toward winter.

Not to be outdone by all of this physical stuff is a story about mental and spiritual health — specifically, being thankful, finding your passion, and maintaining a positive attitude even in the face of adversity. Without a healthy mind and spirit, it is difficult if not impossible to reach optimum physical and biological wellness, regardless of how hard you may try.