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GetFitTN is a statewide awareness program developed by Governor Phil Bredesen to address the rising epidemic of Type 2 diabetes and risk factors that lead to diabetes, like obesity. This initiative is aimed at educating both adults and children that Type 2 diabetes can be delayed or even prevented with modest lifestyle changes like increasing physical activity and a healthier diet.
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Teams step up to Walk Across Tennessee
2/8/2010
The sixth annual Walk Across Tennessee kicked off Saturday with a ceremonial lap around the Dyersburg Mall, a Zumba demonstration and free health screenings.
Walk Across Tennessee officially begins Monday when teams of eight persons exercise to accrue enough mileage to take an imaginary walk across the state. Mileage is earned by walking, running, bicycling, lifting weights and other forms of exercise. The contest lasts for eight weeks. Actual mileage is used for walking and a conversion chart is used for other forms of exercise. For example, 14 minutes of weight lifting is equivalent to 1 mile.
The top teams will be announced during an awards ceremony at 5:30 p.m. April 15, all in the mall's center court. Gold, silver and bronze medals are awarded to the teams with the most mileage. Each team also receives one gold medal that the team may award as it chooses. Every participant receives a certificate.
A traveling trophy also is awarded to the top team.
A new award this year will be given to the person who packs his or her fitness regimen with the biggest variety of activities. WAT Coordinator Beth Bell said she's looking for someone who pursues six or seven different kinds of fitness activities each week.
Forty-eight teams had signed up by Saturday. Bell said she will continue accepting registration packets until Friday. She said the wintry weather had prevented some teams - particularly those based in schools - from registering yet.
Registration packets for the sixth-annual Walk Across Tennessee are now available at the Dyer County Extension Office, the Dyersburg Mall customer service desk, the YMCA, Dyersburg Activity Center and First United Methodist Church. Forms may also be downloaded from the Walk Across Tennessee Web site: www.watdyer.org.
During Saturday's kickoff, Bell told participants that more than 35 percent of the people who participate in WAT achieve one or more of their goals to lose weight, reduce stress, lower blood pressure levels and improve sleep.
For those interested in weight loss, Bell said a realistic goal is to lose 1 to 2 pounds a week, or about 16 pounds during WAT.
To help people envision a skinnier version of themselves, Sheila Jacobi, coordinator of the Delta regional health grant and employee of Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center, took photos of participants. The photos will be e-mailed to the participants. Then, they may use the digital photographs on the Weight Mirror Web site: weightmirror.com. The Web site allows users to see what they'd look like if they lost or gained weight. Participants may print the photos and use them for inspiration.
WAT participants also received free screenings for blood pressure levels and body mass index.
A number of organizations also set up educational booths during the kickoff. These included:
* The McIver's Grant Public Library, which featured a number of books on exercise, sports, nutrition and weight-loss plans.
* Dyersburg Parks and Recreation, which featured exercise and sports opportunities.
* The Coordinated School Health Programs for city and county schools.
* Tennessee Trails Association.
* Curves.
* Weight Watchers.
Story and images from Dyersburg State Gazette:
http://www.stategazette.com/story/1608993.html
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