Growing Healthy Habits is kicking off one of the largest team-based fitness/weight loss challenges in Wayne County. The Lose-a-Ton/Win-a-Ton (LAT/WAT) challenge is an effort to improve health and fitness community wide.
Teams include between seven to 10 people. New this year, children ages 10 to 17 can be part of the team.
“The addition of children allows teams to be family oriented,” said Loretta Raff, BSN, RN, director of population health, Aultman Orrville Hospital, and co-chair of the Growing Healthy Habits coalition. “Our goal is to make healthy habits.”
During the 12-week challenge, adults will be asked to lose five pounds or have/maintain a body mass index (BMI) of 26 or less. Criteria for children include water intake, activity levels and a decrease in the amount of screen time (cellphones, tablets, computers, etc.).
All teams whose members meet the goals will be entered into a drawing for the grand prize of $2,000. In addition, the individual who has lost the most weight at the end of the competition will be eligible for a prize. Children (ages 10 to 17) who meet their goals are eligible for monthly prizes.
Also new this year are weekly exercise sessions at an area facility. Sessions range from Zumba classes at the Orrville YMCA to fundamentals of CrossFit at Zephyrs in Orrville. Times, dates and locations will be distributed at the team captain’s meeting slated for Jan. 7.
“Fitness and weight loss challenges are more effective when they incorporate the social support of family, friends and community,” said Raff. “We are encouraging businesses to get their employees involved in the challenge.”