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Residents accept ‘Shape Up!’ challenge

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By Hilda W. Lytle / Extension Agent UT Extension

The “Warren County Shapes Up” health challenge has begun. This 6-week challenge is designed to motivate and empower people to make diet and physical activity choices that enable them to achieve or maintain a healthy weight.

For those of you who signed up either at the fair or the McMinnville Civic Center, it’s time to pull out your logs and step up to the challenge. It’s time to get started.

This program is designed for all people to get healthy. It’s not just for those people who are looking to lose weight! There are many other health problems that are associated with diet and physical activity. Hypertension and high cholesterol are two examples of health issues that can affect people who are not necessarily overweight.

Remember, our mission is to empower people to achieve and/or maintain a healthy weight. Some people may be at a healthy weight, but have health issues to be addressed.

All Level I participants are supposed to exercise for 15 minutes for

three days this week. Participants can choose what type of exercise they want to do. The objective is just to get moving.

There are two activities for Level II participants this week! One is to drink six (8-ounce) glasses of water for a total of 48 ounces of liquid. One-half of this amount may be caffeine-free and sugarless liquid.

So why is water so important?

  • Water is essential for the body to cool itself.
  • Water is needed for digesting, absorbing and transporting nutrients.
  • Water is a lubricant for joints and cushions vital organs and

    tissues.
  • Water helps prevent constipation.
  • Water is critical for health because it carries waste products from

    cells so the waste can be excreted from the body.
  • Water is also necessary to help prevent dehydration. Thirst tells us we need water, but some experts believe that by the time someone is thirsty, slight dehydration has already occurred.

    The second activity for Level II participants is to exercise for 20 minutes for three days this week. This is the minimal amount of exercise that is required. You may do more if you are physically capable participating in physical activity. Participants are allowed to choose the type of physical activity that best suits their fitness level.

    If you failed to register for this county-wide activity, you can still make a personal commitment to yourself and start walking or exercising.

    So come on Warren County, let’s shape up! Please call me at 473-8484 if you have any questions or need more information.
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