University News
Take Charge Challenge
February 27, 2001
Bananas, apples and pears, oh my! Running, walking and getting fit, oh my! Put down that candy bar, lace up those tennies and
take charge of your life!
On Monday, March 12, the second annual Take Charge Challenge begins. Sponsored by Western Illinois University's Campus Recreation, the University of Illinois Extension (McDonough County), McDonough District Hospital (MDH), the Western Illinois Network for Safety (WINS) and the McDonough County Health Department (MCHD), the 10-week physical fitness/nutrition program offers individuals a chance to change their sedentary lifestyles.
Last year, 66 MDH employees, 24 WIU faculty and staff and 38 students, 19 health department staff and 10 extension personnel got up and got going. The agencies' personnel are at it again this year, with the health department already beginning the "challenge" with 21 employees enrolled. The hospital will begin the program Monday, March 19. According to Judy Yeast, Campus Recreation associate director, the "Take Charge Challenge" program originated from a grant the MCHD sought from the Rural Medical Education Program at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Rockford.
"Coronary heart disease is the leading cause of death in McDonough County and strokes are the fourth leading cause," MCHD Director Mary Margaret Harris explained. "This information was an outcome of the Illinois Project Local Assessment of Needs (I-PLAN). Because of this, we wrote the grant proposal in order to create a program to get people into healthier lifestyle modes. "
The Take Charge Challenge originated at the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, GA in 1996. The challenge is a 10-week physical activity and nutrition incentive program designed to help everyone regardless of his or her current level of physical activity. Yeast explained that it uses a team, as well as personal, approach to physical activity and fitness. The minimum goal for each participant is 50 points for nutrition and 50 points for physical activity. Each nutrition and physical activity goal are given a value using a point system.
"Active lifestyles decrease the risk of premature death, cardiovascular disease and a host of other health issues. Participating in the Take Charge Challenge provides enough time and practice to move toward adopting a healthier lifestyle," Yeast added.
If individuals are not associated with one of the agencies listed above, but would like more information or to sign up for the Take Charge Challenge, contact JoAnn Hairston-Jones at the McDonough County Health Department, 309/837-9951 or Trent Torrance at the Extension Office, 309/837-3939.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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