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Weight loss, activity program trimmed to 100 days in 2008
By Steve Dunn/Gate City Managing Editor
Like its statewide counterpart, Lighten Up Keokuk will take a new approach next year.
“The format has changed as a result of feedback. It was too long last year,” said Emily Carrick, a prevention coordinator with the Lee County Health Department.
After a kick-off on Thursday, Jan. 10, teams of two to 10 people will get in shape by monitoring their weight loss or activity minutes for 100 days - from Wednesday, Jan. 16, to Thursday, April 24.
Last year's Lighten Up Keokuk drew more than 600 participants, slightly down from 2006's numbers, according to Carrick.
“We're very excited about it,” Carrick said, referring to the new format. “We hope we can keep everybody moving and motivated.”
To entice participation at the kick-off, 100 draw string bags will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis and breakfast will be served. The cost to participate in next year's Lighten Up Keokuk is $10 a person compared to the usual $15 each.
Other activities will be planned to keep participants' interest up.
“No events or speakers have been finalized,” Carrick said. “We're also trying to get more community involvement. Hopefully, we'll have a lot more to offer this year.”
Official handbooks for team captains and other information was distributed at the Hoerner YMCA Thursday. Team captains are responsible for recording weight loss and activity minute figures on-line and keeping team members motivated.
“As a team captain, you're eligible to win prizes through the state,” Carrick said.
Since the program's inception in 2002, more than 97,860 Iowans have lost more than 391,000 pounds and completed more than 17.8 million miles of activity.
Obesity and overweight are serious conditions that increase the risk for many other health complications, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, joint problems, some types of cancer and mental health problems, according to the Lighten Up Iowa Web site, www.lightenupiowa.org.
“The format has changed as a result of feedback. It was too long last year,” said Emily Carrick, a prevention coordinator with the Lee County Health Department.
After a kick-off on Thursday, Jan. 10, teams of two to 10 people will get in shape by monitoring their weight loss or activity minutes for 100 days - from Wednesday, Jan. 16, to Thursday, April 24.
Last year's Lighten Up Keokuk drew more than 600 participants, slightly down from 2006's numbers, according to Carrick.
“We're very excited about it,” Carrick said, referring to the new format. “We hope we can keep everybody moving and motivated.”
To entice participation at the kick-off, 100 draw string bags will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis and breakfast will be served. The cost to participate in next year's Lighten Up Keokuk is $10 a person compared to the usual $15 each.
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“No events or speakers have been finalized,” Carrick said. “We're also trying to get more community involvement. Hopefully, we'll have a lot more to offer this year.”
Official handbooks for team captains and other information was distributed at the Hoerner YMCA Thursday. Team captains are responsible for recording weight loss and activity minute figures on-line and keeping team members motivated.
“As a team captain, you're eligible to win prizes through the state,” Carrick said.
Since the program's inception in 2002, more than 97,860 Iowans have lost more than 391,000 pounds and completed more than 17.8 million miles of activity.
Obesity and overweight are serious conditions that increase the risk for many other health complications, including high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, joint problems, some types of cancer and mental health problems, according to the Lighten Up Iowa Web site, www.lightenupiowa.org.
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