California mayor issues weight loss challenge
Rancho Cordova, Calif., Mayor Ken Cooley is challenging his constituents to shape up. Cooley’s “Great Health Challenge” is a 10-month community-wide effort to embrace healthy physical activity while dropping at least one pound each month between February and November.
The Great Health Challenge includes an Internet-based tracking system, activities and rewards aimed at getting residents and business groups in the community more physically active. The goal is for the entire community to drop a total of 40,000 pounds of weight during the promotion — or 20 tons in 2010. “Healthy employees help spur and invigorate business success as the cost of healthcare decreases, absenteeism is reduced and productivity climbs,” Cooley said. “Getting fit is not just a good idea for our citizens, it’s important to our economic health, as well.”
Participants are urged to drop at least one pound a month during the campaign. According to Cooley’s office, a 10-pound weight loss can improve heart health, reduce incidence of diabetes and increase general wellbeing.
Participants log on to www.20tonsin2010.com and register for the challenge. They then log in at least once a month with weight loss progress and to participate in drawings, contests and to find out about exercise activities in the community. All weight loss reports are on the honor system.
For more information on the Great Health Challenge – 20 Tons in 2010, contact Melody Mayer at [email protected] or call 916-247-8217.