Henry County residents are being challenged once again to increase their level of physical activity and wellness through a program available to all, the Greatest Thriver. Eight applicants will be chosen to enter into a special training program with the assistance of training facilities and certified fitness professionals. The two facilities that are participating in the program are the Henry County YMCA and Healthridge at Forest Ridge. The “Thrivers” will be subjects of articles on fitness and wellness issues that will focus on their progress.
All participants will have the opportunity to measure their lipid profile, blood pressure, blood sugar, body mass index and body fat percentage. These measurements along with a few other criteria will be used to determine “THE GREATEST THRIVER.”
This will be the third year for Henry County residents to have the opportunity to participate in the Greatest Thriver program. The idea for a county-wide program was developed and implemented by the Health and Wellness Committee of Community Matters.
In the inaugural year, the Greatest Thriver program had 56 applicants. Of those 56, twelve were chosen to participant, seventeen participants partook in the program and eleven finished the entire program. All thrivers became healthier people in different ways. The winner of the Greatest Thriver award for 2006-2007 was Alisha Hoskins. Alisha lost an astounding 55 pounds!
The second year of Greatest Thriver was another success! All eight thrivers lost weight, dropped medications or became healthier in another way. The winner for the 2007-2008 Greatest Thriver was Elizabeth Heintz. Elizabeth lost 34 pounds, 12.3% body fat, 8" from her hips and 8 1/4" from her waist! Exercise has also cut her blood pressure medication in half and improved her sciatica and arthritic problems significantly.
New Timeline will be posted soon.
The criteria for selecting the Greatest Thrivers participants includes the answers to the health history questions, the paragraph about why you want to be considered for the program, both on the application, and possibly a phone interview.
The variables that will be measured throughout the program are: blood pressure, blood test, BMI, height / weight, body fat percentage, girth, activity level, diet, and attendance. Blood samples will be taken at teh beginning and end of the program. These samples will test for total cholesterol, HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol), blood glucose level and triglycerides. Each variable will be associated with a certain number of points. The total points accumulated over the course of the program will HELP determine the winner.
The following agreement spells out the terms and conditions of this program. As a participant you must commit to:
- Attendance – Your trainer will establish a schedule for activities within the training facility. Monthly group meetings for all participants must be attended.
- Communication – Responding to requests for information from your trainer and the health department. These communications are vital to building the program, sharing the message about your fitness journey and helping make an impact on many other people.
- Exercise and Diet Regiments – Exercise and diet regimens will be planned by your trainer and must be followed.
This agreement is to ensure your participation in the program and to inform you that termination of your participation will occur if terms and conditions of this agreement are not reasonably met. |
