Published: September 06, 2008 01:12 pm      

Charlestown mayor tells residents to move it, lose it

Bob Hall encourages Charlestonians to get fit

It won’t be nationally televised, but Charlestown residents can participate in the city’s very own “Biggest Loser.”

Mayor Bob Hall announced Friday the start of Move It, Lose It Charlestown, a program designed to get residents healthy and in shape.

The 11 week program will award residents that lose the highest percentage of weight, the highest percentage of inches lost, highest average daily steps walked and the highest percentage of increased physical activity. But the program sponsors are hopeful that the momentum from the program lasts beyond the end of it.

“We hope it’s a health initiative where people make it a lifestyle,” said Ruthie Jackson, Hall’s assistant.

Participants can compete individually or in teams of no more than four people. Categories will be subdivided according to age and gender, and adults and children are encouraged to participate.

The city partnered with Saint Catherine Regional Hospital, Greater North Clark Healthcare Foundation, Anytime Fitness, PIP Printing and Marketing Services, and JayC Food Stores. The weigh-in and measurements will be performed at Saint Catherine.

Hall came up with the idea after discussing his desire to start a gym in Charlestown so people could work out close to home. And local businesses have gotten involved.

Wilson Education Center is presenting the program to employees and encouraging them to join in.

“When the state ranks in the bottom 10 in the United States for obesity and health care costs are skyrocketing, it’s the right thing to do to encourage our staff to be healthier and reduce the cost for us,” said Larry Risk, executive director of the Wilson Center. “We’re very much interested.”

Risk is even participating in the program. He also plans on sponsoring the initiative as well by providing space at the center so people can work out.

Hall said that a healthier, more active lifestyle can fight depression, obesity and diseases associated with lack of exercise and healthy eating habits. It’s good for businesses to — employees are more productive and healthy employees reduce health care costs, he said.

Jackson said she expects about 350 people to join in the first program. Another round will begin in January, and Jackson hopes even more residents will get involved.



So you know

• The official kickoff for Move It, Lose It Charlestown will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 4 at Saint Catherine Regional Hospital. Participants can register, weigh-in, get measured and get health screenings and see demonstrations of different ways to exercise. There is a $10 registration fee. For more information, call Charlestown City Hall at 812-256-3422.



And the winners get ...

Awards for Move It, Lose It Charlestown winners

Adults

• Memberships with Anytime Fitness, Jazzercise and Charlestown Water Aerobics; Sessions with a personal trainer; JayC, Visa, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Coffee Express-O gift cards; Bikes; Annual pass to Indiana State Parks; Charlestown High School all sports packages; and Gym bag and accessories



Kids under 14

• Bikes; Sessions with a personal trainer; Visa, Toys R Us, and Target gift cards; Memberships with Charlestown Karate Club and Tumble Town; and Gym bag and accessories