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Official Site of the Government of Stevens Point, Wisconsin
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Move to Improve - 10 Minutes Can Make a Difference
July 7, 2010
Dust off your walking shoes and get your teams together
because Portage County CAN is hosting a physical activity program to help get you moving. Move to Improve is kicking
off July 26th through September 19th. This is an eight-week program geared towards increasing physical activity
among Portage County community members which ultimately leads individuals to adopt a healthier and more active
lifestyle. Studies show that physical activity can help control weight, promote psychological well-being, reduce
the risk of dying prematurely, and build and maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
The Surgeon General has challenged all Americans to become physically active for at least 30 minutes on most, preferably
all, days of the week. Now we're taking this same challenge and issuing it to all Portage County residents. The
Move to Improve program encourages all participants to increase their activity levels from wherever they are at.
Move to Improve recognizes that every person's fitness levels-and their interest in being physically active-vary.
That's why we've made the challenge easy to achieve no matter what your fitness level. Participants set realistic
personal goals for regular, moderate activity, record their activity for 8 weeks, and report their progress to
their Team Captain. Points are awarded for 10 consecutive minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity.
All you have to do is reach your own activity goal by becoming more active.
This is one program where the newcomer to physical activity has the same opportunity for success as the well-trained
athlete. Every participant will receive a t-shirt and water bottle just for participating. In addition, participants
who achieve half of their personal point goal at the midpoint and meet their full point goal at the completion
of the program are eligible to enter in a prize drawing for healthy restaurant gift certificates, relaxation packages,
and active living opportunities. Team Captains also receive additional incentive to help keep their teams motivated
and participating in physical activity throughout the program.
Friends and family, co-workers and neighborhood groups, the young and the old. All are encouraged to take part
in the Move to Improve program. To learn more about Move to Improve, how to become a team captain, or how you
can participate, join us on Monday, July 19th or Tuesday, July 20th from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at 2501 Main St. in the
Oak Room.
Also get ready for our Kick-off event on Monday, July 26th from 4-7 p.m. at the Schmeeckle Reserve Visitors Center.
Feel free to come anytime during the Kick-off to register as a team, learn about becoming physically active, receive
your Move to Improve water bottle, and join in a 1-mile walk on Schmeeckle Reserve. Registration is $25 per team
with up to 5 team members. Join us and start moving to improve your wellness TODAY!
For more information about Move to Improve, contact Rachel King at (715) 345-5727 or kingr@co.portage.wi.us
Sources:
US Department of Health & Human Services: Physical Activity and Health: A Report of the Surgeon General. Pp.
86-172, Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention
and Health Promotion, 1996
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