Guyra residents asked to name healthy lifestyle program

2 March, 2009

A motivational exercise and health education program aimed at helping people improve their overall wellbeing is being designed with Guyra community members in mind.
The program – which is yet to be named - will run for three months and will be open to anyone aged over 18 years wanting to lose weight and increase their health and fitness. 
It is hoped that Guyra residents will have a leaner, sleeker look by the end of the 12-week challenge.
Community members have been asked to help kick-start the program, by submitting potential names for the challenge.
To get the ball rolling, members of the program’s organising committee have already brainstormed some names that might provide food for thought. These include: Getting Guyra Moving; Guyra Fit and Strong; Living Longer and Living Stronger in Guyra; Getting Guyra Active; and Go Guyra Go. 
Suggested names for the program can be dropped into the box at the front counter of the Guyra Multi Purpose Service (MPS) in Sole Street until Friday, 3 April. Entries should include a name and daytime contact number.
The winning name for the program will be announced during a community information night at the Guyra Multi Purpose Service HACC room on Tuesday, 28 April at 7pm.
Staff from Guyra MPS will co-ordinate the challenge, in conjunction with Guyra HACC, New England Division of General Practice, Guyra Neighbourhood Centre and other community groups. The proposed starting date for the three-month program is Monday, 10 August, with the challenge to wrap-up on Friday, 6 November - a great lead-in to summer.
The program will be designed with the community’s needs in mind, with a focus on affordable and interactive education and exercise sessions. 
There will be information sessions on diet, regular weigh-ins, exercise classes and cooking demonstrations. There will also be supermarket tours to help local residents to learn to scrutinise labels and make healthy choices.
Guyra MPS Health Service Manager Tessa Capsanis said working towards being fit and healthy did not have to be strenuous or time-consuming.
“Even thirty minutes of moderate exercise each day gives significant physical and mental health benefits. It’s all about focusing on daily health habits for long-term gain,” Ms Capsanis said.
“We hope that this motivational exercise and health education program shows community members that even small measures can make a big difference to their health and wellbeing, and can help off-set complications involved with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and heart disease.”

(HNE-1760)

Contact: Carisa Green

Phone: (02) 6767 7135 or 0428 106 183