The BetterU Challenge is for all of us. The BetterU Challenge provides the average person with information, education, guidance and
support. By making a series of small changes over time you will make a big difference
in our health and wellness by reducing their risks of cardiovascular disease over your lifetime.
Reducing heart risks such as lowering blood pressure, cholesterol and weight
not only improve quality of life; it saves money on doctor bills, medications,
hospital admissions and sick days. Isn't that what we all want?
Even though the Go Red for Women BetterU
Makeover Challenge is designed to educate women about heart disease, men can
jump on board too. More and more men are
becoming interested in the health and wellness of their mothers, sisters, and
daughters. Men also need to know the
principles are for them too!
While heart disease is
preventable it remains the No. 1 killer of women in the U. S., thus, the
association’s Go Red for Women Initiative is a 12-week program that saves
lives! The BetterU program is powered by the American Heart Association’sresearch and provides guidance to transform overall health through small,
simple choices. Go Red BetterU is not
about fad diets or new exercise trends. Becoming a Better You is about making
lasting lifestyle changes. Fewer than half of Americans maintain a healthy
weight, keep a heart healthy diet, and get regular physical activity. Millions
are struggling to get motivated to begin a health regimen feeling too tired or
like they just don’t have time.
The bottom line is prevention. Now more than ever is the time to move
towards creating a healthy life for your family, your co-workers and your
community. It’s not easy, but it is simple when you have the right tools and
support to make lasting healthy changes. The American Heart Association offers
many national programs that are gaining great success in our community
including the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women BetterU program.
The AHA Go Red for Women Michiana BetterU Makeover Challenge
Twelve women from Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center were chosen from over 80 applicants to participate in the 2013 Challenge. The Challenge began with a kick-off on February 12, 2013 where we provided an overview of the challenge, one-on-one interviews with the nutrition, fitness and leadership coaching, pre-lab and health risk assessments.
Twelve women from Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center were chosen from over 80 applicants to participate in the 2013 Challenge. The Challenge began with a kick-off on February 12, 2013 where we provided an overview of the challenge, one-on-one interviews with the nutrition, fitness and leadership coaching, pre-lab and health risk assessments.
Throughout
the 12-week challenge we offered the challengers bi-weekly face-to-face
meetings and conference calls, periodic weigh-ins, individual wellness
coaching, healthy shopping tour, healthy cooking class, and post-labs and
health risk assessments. The program includes weekly goal setting, educational
information, a food/exercise diary and behavior modification tools. The Michiana BetterU Blog and Facebook Page are also recommended for participants to share
their successes, frustrations and helpful information with the group.
The American Heart Association Go Red
for Women BetterU program goals include: Physical Activity, Healthy Eating, Lower
Heart Disease Risk Factors and Making Lasting Changes. Over 12-weeks the
BetterU participants met the challenge and experienced the following
improvements:
Challenge: Make Lasting Changes
¨ 100% Commitment to continue with healthy
lifestyle changes
¨ 100% Experienced a sense of accomplishment
¨ 100% More aware of healthy lifestyle
choices
¨ 87.5% Feeling more alert + energized +
more productive
Challenge: Lower the Risk of Heart Disease
¨ 100% Improved Heart Score = reduced heart
health risks
¨ 77% Increased overall heart score = less
likely to have a heart attack
¨ 100% Lost weight (group total 67 lbs.
w/avg. wt. loss of 1 lb. per week)
Challenge: Make Healthier Food Choices
¨ 100% Know healthy foods, low sodium, high
fiber, low & good fats
¨ 100% Eating more fruits, vegetables and
whole grains
¨ 100% Implemented lifestyle strategies to
improve food choices
Challenge: Exercise Regularly
¨ 100% Added exercise of some form of
regular activity
¨ 87.5 % Improved body mass index (BMI)
Challenge: Develop Your Leadership
¨ 87.5% Experienced a positive shift in
their leadership
¨ 100% Have a clear vision of how they will
continue applying the
BetterU program in their daily lives
¨
87.5 feel empowered to take on new leadership roles
We
look forward to celebrating with the BetterU Challengers at the Go Red For Women
event on May 9th,the opportunity to participate in an “unveil” during the
luncheon and their successful journey to a Better You.
Your
partner in health,
.
Cindy
Cohen RN, BS BA
Health
Coach
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