Winter Warm-Up Aims to Improve the Health of Mid-Michigan

2/16/10 Posted in News  |  0 Comments

Winter presents a unique set of challenges for Mid-Michigan residents looking to stay healthy and fit. A perfect way to accomplish that goal kicked off January 23, 2010 at the Lansing Mall in Delta Township. The 2010 Community Partners in Health Winter Warm-Up (WWU) is designed to motivate individuals and families to engage in regular physical activity and healthy eating habits. Participants are encouraged to enlist family, friends, co-workers and neighbors to walk with them Saturday mornings at the Lansing Mall January 23, 2010 through March 27, 2010, from 9:00am to 10:00am. Registration and a complete calendar of events are available online at www.cphlansing.com.  New participants are welcome to join right up until the conclusion of the program.

The Winter Warm-Up offers more than just a warm place to walk, however. Each week will feature a short presentation on a variety of health-related topics, free health screenings and motivational tips. There are contests and prizes including Lansing Mall gift certificates, one-month YMCA guest passes, walking shoes from Playmakers, season passes to Ingham County Parks, fitness class certificates, “fun and fitness” prize baskets and more!

New this year is the “Walking Buddies” group led by Jon Stanton, a local resident who has lost 230 pounds and kept it off by walking daily. Jon has appeared on the Today Show and received the Charles T. Kuntzleman Award for 2009 from the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness. Jon’s “Walking Buddies” will specifically focus on learning how to incorporate walking into a weight-loss program and how to stay motivated!

“Walking changed my life,” said Stanton. “Anyone who wants to learn how to walk to lose weight should come on Saturday morning to the Lansing Mall, participate, be inspired and begin their own journey to health and wellness.”

Also new for 2010 is the expansion of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Mayor’s Challenge to the Winter Warm-Up with the Blues’ Community Challenge. Ten local communities (Lansing, East Lansing, Grand Ledge, Charlotte, Williamston, DeWitt, Delta Twp., Delhi Twp., Meridian Twp., and Lansing Twp.) are participating in a competition to win significant grant dollars from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. To help your community win, register at this site: http://www.bcbs.com/innovations/walkingworks/. Once registered, walkers can log their miles online or in person at the Saturday walking events to help improve walking and fitness opportunities in their hometown.

“Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan is committed to providing all Michigan residents with access to quality health care. In addition, we are working hard to help people improve their health,” said Equilla Wainwright, vice president, BCBSM Diversity and Community Responsibility. “We are partnering with schools, businesses, communities and organizations around the state to encourage people to take personal responsibility for their health by eating better and moving more.”

For those who aren’t able to participate at the Lansing Mall, WWU satellite groups are forming throughout the region. Participants can choose to walk at any time and participate in the contests. Contact Alicia Armstrong at (517) 349-3803 or visit the website for information about forming or participating in a satellite group.

Visit www.cphlansing.com for more information.

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