WHO:
City of Brownsville
UTHealth School of Public Health, Brownsville Regional Campus
WHAT:
The CHALLENGE 2018
Free Community Weigh-in Events
WHEN:
Friday, January 19, 2018
5 – 8 p.m.
WHERE:
Two Locations:
Brownsville Public Library System – Main Branch
2600 Central Blvd., Brownsville, Texas
Brownsville Public Library System – Southmost Branch
4320 Southmost Blvd., Brownsville, Texas
AND
WHEN:
Saturday, January 20, 2018
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
WHERE:
One Location:
Linear Park (Next to Brownsville Farmers’ Market)
E. 6th Street and E. Harrison Street, Brownsville, Texas
BROWNSVILLE, Texas (January 16, 2018) – For the ninth consecutive year, the City of Brownsville, the UTHealth School of Public Health, Brownsville Regional Campus (UTHealth), and local partners will provide the community with a free three-month program to encourage healthy lifestyle changes and weight loss: The CHALLENGE 2018.
The CHALLENGE 2018 is more than just a weight-loss competition; it’s an invitation for everyone to improve their lifestyles and get motivated to set healthy habits in 2018. Local partners, including gyms, fitness experts, nutritionists, and peer support groups will provide free activities for registered participants over 18 years of age.
In addition, The CHALLENGE 2018 will feature health screenings, fitness activities, cooking classes, and run/walks to inspire healthy eating and active living. Free exercise classes and nutrition information will also be offered in various locations throughout the city and partner cities.
“The CHALLENGE is an opportunity for the community to come together – partners, sponsors, families and friends – to try lifestyle changes that improve the well-being of all members of our community,” said Brownsville City Commissioner At-Large “B” Rose M. Z. Gowen. “The CHALLENGE also has a positive impact on our local economy by supporting local businesses like gyms that partner and support our efforts.”
“Since 2010, over 7,000 people have joined The CHALLENGE to meet their weight-loss goals, and tens of thousands of pounds have been lost,” said City of Brownsville Public Health Director Arturo Rodriguez. “In many cases, lives have been transformed by the support provided through The CHALLENGE.”
“The CHALLENGE provides a mechanism for motivation, accountability, and social support to address high rates of obesity,” said UTHealth Project Manager Lisa Mitchell-Bennett. “It has proven to improve participants’ health and well-being. There are so many success stories coming out of The CHALLENGE. Among those who have completed The CHALLENGE, 84 percent lost weight and 8 pounds was the average amount of weight lost.”
Cash prizes will be awarded to groups and individuals who lose the highest percentage weight over the three-month period. Categories include: male individual; female individual; small group (2-10 participants); and large group (11-26 participants). Prizes range from $200 for the individual winners to $1,400 for the large group winner. Prizes and recognition will also be provided for other participants. In addition, two $1,500 cash prizes, donated by UTHealth, will be raffled among The CHALLENGE 2018 participants who lose at least 5 percent of their body weight and attend the final weigh-in event.
Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Pregnant or underweight individuals may not register. All participants should consult their doctor prior to starting any exercise or weight-loss program.
The CHALLENGE 2018 strives to build community and social support in a positive environment and raise awareness about the importance of healthy eating and active living. In addition to free access to gyms, cooking classes and support groups, participants may also choose to receive motivational text messages and access web-based support.
The CHALLENGE 2018 organizers emphasize that this program is not about excessive weight loss, fad diets or extreme measures. Research shows that the healthiest way to lose weight and maintain a healthy weight is to keep loss between 1 to 2 pounds per week. The safest, most effective way to do this is to exercise at least 30 minutes each day most days of the week, increase fruit and vegetable intake, and be aware of healthy portion control.
The CHALLENGE 2018 final weigh-in events will be held April 20-21, 2018.
Learn more about The CHALLENGE 2018 via Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TheChallengeRGV and Twitter at @TheChallengeRGV.
# # #