Spring weather means it’s time to head outside. Whether going out for a jog, a walk, a hike or something else, mild temperatures mean it’s the perfect time to catch ‘spring fever.’

Exercise is great, but it’s even better outside. With spring here, the weather is finally perfect to head out for a run, a bike ride or a nice walk. Whether you want to enjoy sweeping mountain-top vistas or take a leisurely brookside stroll, ride a bike or tour a castle, the Passaic County Park System offers something for everyone ready to get up, get out, and revel in the return of warm weather.

For many, staying healthy sometimes means more than just heading outside. Fortunately, St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center, part of St. Joseph’s Health, is growing and expanding to meet the needs of northern New Jersey communities. The hospital features comprehensive services including a state-designated Primary Stroke Center, world-class emergency care with a dedicated Geriatric Emergency Department, and advanced robotic-assisted surgery for less pain and faster recovery.

Now open on the Wayne campus is the St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Pavilion, a state-of-the-art facility that offers leading physicians in specialties including bariatric weight loss, liver care, hematology/oncology, rheumatology, gastroenterology, and breast and general surgery. Physical, occupational and speech rehabilitation offer advanced therapies in the new space, in addition to cardiac rehabilitation, a structured program of exercise and heart health education designed to help patients regain their active lifestyle after a cardiac event.

For those who are seeking that active lifestyle to maintain health, visit http://www.passaiccountynj.org/ for full information on the county’s parks, reservations, preserves, and other recreational facilities. For the more ambition, here is a “Fast 5” list of activities for those eager to “spring ahead” into the new season.

• Enjoy the view at Highlands Preserve. This 224-acre park just off Union Valley Road in West Milford offers hikers who “take the high road” breath-taking scenes of lush-green forests and deep-blue waters.
  
• Go back in time at Lambert Castle. Home to the Passaic County Museum, Lambert Castle is a 19^th Century gem on the eastern slope of the First Watchung Mountain in Garret Mountain Reservation. The 568-acre park, which encompasses portions of Woodland Park, Paterson and Clifton, is easily accessible from routes 80 and 46, and State highway 19. Just enter 8 Mountain Ave., Woodland Park, in the GPS.
  
• Let your dog have its day at Goffle Brook Park. Located on Lafayette Avenue in Hawthorne, this 103-acre park features a fenced-in dog park where canines can cavort in convivial company. And for those who get around on two legs instead of four, the park offers playgrounds, athletic fields and picnic areas.
  
• Take a hike in Friendship Park. This 44-acre park located at 50 Glenwild Ave. in Bloomingdale has a 1.2-mile looping trail through a woodland setting that’s perfect for beginners or those just looking to stretch their legs on a sunny afternoon.
• Play some pick-up b-ball in a pocket park. Weasel Brook Park is a 19-acre “pocket park” located at 1 Westervelt Place in Clifton. Designed by the famed Olmsted Brothers landscape architectural firm (think Central Park), this gem features basketball courts, a babbling brook, exercise circuit, spray park and toddler wading pool, and more.

Of course, one of the most popular ways to exercise outdoors is running. Not only does it increase cardiovascular health, but it’s a great way to get out, meet people, and enjoy the scenery. If your serious about your workouts, hit spring running with one of these upcoming races.

Runners: Mark Your Calendar To Take Your Mark

Passaic County’s roads will be raceways for runners on weekend mornings in the months ahead, as charitable groups and running organizations sponsor 5K races, fun walks, and even a mud run. Here are three of the upcoming events.

• Shepherd Lake 5K Run and 1-Mile Kids’ Race — Saturday, May 4. This race, which benefits the Ringwood Educational Foundation, starts in front of Ringwood’s 74-acre Shepherd Lake and then takes runners through Ringwood State Park and into the Skylands Manor Botanical Gardens. http://www.ringwoodef.org/5k.html/
• Wayne A.M. Rotary Annual 5K Run and Fitness Walk — Saturday, June 1. For three decades, the Wayne A.M. Rotary has sponsored this popular community event to benefit local charities and contribute to Rotary’ International’s world-wide efforts to eradicate polio. This year’s race will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 580 Ratzer Road, and will take runners around Packanack Lake. runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Wayne/WAYNEAMROTARY5K
• Your First Mud Run — Garret Mountain — Sunday, June 30. The Garret Mountain course consists of two loops totaling 2 miles of gravel and grass paths. The course features a half-mile gradual hill toward the end of the race, and 12-14 obstacles. There also will be a kids’ course with smaller obstacles. www.yourfirstmudrun.com.

It’s Never to Late to Get in Shape! Watch this St. Joseph’s Health Living Well video featuring Priscilla D Kaszubski, DO, Chairman, Rehabilitation Services, St. Joseph’s Health.

To learn more about the clinical services provided at St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Center and St. Joseph’s Wayne Medical Pavilion, call (973) 942-6900 or visit http://www.stjosephshealth.org/sjwh/.