Lake Forest Hospital sponsors cycling event

Submitted by Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital

Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital was proud to be the title sponsor of the inaugural Lake Bluff Twilight Criterium recently. This first-of-its-kind race in Lake Bluff gave area residents unprecedented access to the sport of cycling.

“We were pleased to support this premier local event,” Thomas J. McAfee, President of Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, said. “It combined some of the best aspects of our close-knit communities. It’s about celebrating our friends and neighbors — as well as the benefits of exercise and an active lifestyle.”

The hospital provided on-site first aid to the riders and attendees as needed and encouraged health, wellness and safety through the event.

“Bicycling is a great sport that promotes exercise for all ages,” McAfee said. “It encourages residents in our community to remain active.”

Local cycling fans were closer to amateur and professional cyclists than ever before. Nearly 150 professional and high-level amateur riders took to the 0.75 mile course, which began at the corner of Oak Avenue and Scranton Avenue and passed by local Lake Bluff landmarks such as the public library and village hall.

Deborah Gulson, M.D., a pediatrician on staff at Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital and avid cyclist, was on hand to educate spectators on bike helmet use, especially among children. Each year, more than 500,000 people in the United States are treated in emergency departments for bicycle-related injuries, with roughly 700 annual deaths.

“Many injuries and deaths can be prevented by putting on a helmet,” Gulson said. “We want to make sure that parents and children in our community develop healthy habits when it comes to recreational cycling.”

In addition to promoting good fitness and safety practices, the event also marked the unofficial start of the outdoor season for local communities.

“We were excited to kick off summer by sponsoring this high-energy outdoor event,” McAfee said. “Not only was it fun, but it ultimately gave back to the community and benefited its residents.”

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