As we approach the end of 2007, thoughts begin turn to a new year, hope for new beginnings, and often plans to begin the year with new habits. If this applies to you, you may want to begin plans to participate in Lighten Up Iowa 2008 says Jill Weber, Iowa Sate University Extension Nutrition and Health Field Specialist. Lighten Up Iowa (LUI) is a statewide, Web-based, and teamwork driven wellness program that will help participants make positive and lasting changes over the course of a 100 Day Challenge that will enable participants to lead a healthier lifestyle. LUI has a goal to teach participants how to incorporate health into everyday life to create a culture of wellness.
Lighten Up Iowa will encourage participants during the program by providing physcial activity ideas and tips on proper nutrition.
The 100 Day Challenge will begin on January 16, online registration will open on December 10. If you can live a healthy lifestyle for 100 days, you can do it for life! We look forward to helping you reach your health and wellness goals for 2008.
Obesity and overweight pose serious health risks, however Lighten Up Iowa is a wellness program with proven results. Iowans mimic the national average of overweight and obese adults, tipping the scale at 61% of all Iowan adults. Obesity and overweight are serious conditions that increase the risk for many other health complications including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, joint problems, some forms of cancer, and mental health problems. Lighten Up Iowa is a proven wellness program that has helped thousands of Iowans lose weight, become more active, and reduce their risk of these serious health problems. Since the program's inception in 2002, Lighten Up Iowa has changed the lives of over 74,000 Iowans who lost more than 305,000 pounds. Lighten Up Iowa provides a network of support and education that teach participants how to easily incorporate healthy behavior into their daily choices. Assemble a team of friends, family, co-workers, or neighbors to join Lighten Up Iowa and experience the benefits of living healthier and having fun with your teammates! Teams can be from 2-10 people. All Lighten Up Iowa participants will receive a LUI training T-shirt, free entry into the Summer Iowa Games & Winter Iowa Games Fitness Walks, Weekly nutrition and physical activity tips, Chances to win monthly incentives and prizes, and one year’s FREE subscription to a health and fitness magazine. For more information, or to register a team, go to lightenupiowa.org.
More information about Lighten Up Iowa is available from your local Black Hawk County Extension Office, 3420 University Avenue, Suite B, Waterloo, 319-268-1714. Access our website 24 hours a day at /blackhawk.
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