MEDIA RELEASE

More Than 1,000 Pounds Lost? FREE “Take It Off Hawai’i” Program Promotes Fun and Effective Lifestyle Changes for Hawai’i Island

“Take it Off Hawai’i” is back, better, and best of all, still FREE! This 10-week challenge (September 6- November 14, 2010) encourages members of our community to make a conscious effort to improve their quality of life while decreasing their risk of chronic disease.

“Last year, more than 1,000 pounds were shed by the participants of Take It Off Hawai’i,” said Robin Mullin, executive director, Five Mountains Hawai’i,” but there are many other benefits that “outweigh” the weight loss. Participants reported higher energy levels, lower blood pressure, and overall profound changes in their lives. This was accomplished through programs that focused on nutrition, activity/exercise, stress resilience, and a bit of friendly/healthy competition.”

To participate, teams of four to 10 members register at locations throughout North Hawai’i by having their starting weight and blood pressure recorded. Participants can earn “lifestyle points,” which are based on the program’s objectives of effective lifestyle changes.

Based on feedback from the 2009 participant survey, organizers are excited to introduce NEW program offerings including: creative ways to earn points (eg sustainable living practices), the option of a web-based point log system, mid-event incentive program, and a website with recipes and blog sections. Additionally, the program duration has been increased from 8-weeks to 10-weeks, and includes valuable tips/tools from nutrition consultant Vivienne Aronowitz, M.P.H., R.D.

All members of the Hawai’i Island community are encouraged to participate in this free offering, although events for this, the Fall Take It Off Hawai’i program, will take place in North Hawai’i.

The program kicks-off on Saturday, August 28 with a Team Leader Orientation at Anna Ranch. Space is limited. For more information, call Five Mountains Hawai’i at 808-887-1281 or visit the Five Mountains Hawai’i website and click on the link to “Take It Off Hawai’i.”

FIVE MOUNTAINS HAWAI’I
Based in Waimea, North Hawai’i Island, Five Mountains Hawai’i brings together a range of health professionals in North Hawai’i in collaborative spirit to support lifestyle improvements in the community. Our vision is to ensure North Hawai’i is a healthy place to live, work, play, and raise strong families. We encourage a blended model of health and healing that includes mind, body, spirit, nature, and community. Current initiative include: Take It Off Hawai’i, North Hawai’i Drug-Free Coalition, Healthy Grindz and Ke Kekui, A Healing Island Resource Guide.