While everyone who competed in the Healthy Lifestyle Challenge II (HLSC II) valley-side competition has triumphed, only one will be awarded the “Best of the Best.”
Teams were formed, individuals signed up and the challenge began in April. By the end of July, millions of steps had been taken and hundreds of Valley residents were on their way to healthier lifestyles.
Developed by the Coachella Valley Health Collaborative, the HLSC is a friendly, web-based competition aimed at getting local residents active. The website records an individual’s activity and converts it into steps on interactive maps. At the end of each challenge, nominations are taken for the “Best of the Best” Award. This year’s nominees include the Desert Recreation District, Desert Oasis Healthcare, and Desert Sands Unified School District.
The Desert Recreation District’s goal was to exceed last year’s results, and they have done just that! Participating facilities increased from 2 to 10, and the number of participants was up 200%. They tracked a total of 9,892 miles – an almost 40% increase over last year. “We had a team of 25 women from Mecca and 15 women from North Shore who each created Biggest Loser competitions through their Zumba classes,” said Tatiana Hinkle, Community Services Supervisor. “Together they lost a total of 149 pounds over the eight-week competition!”
Desert Oasis Healthcare identified an internal champion to encourage and motivate office staff. This dedicated soul inspired her team of co-workers to achieve an average of two million steps per person! She kept co-workers moving with squats, lunges and walks during their breaks. After work, the employees hit the gym, played on a softball league, and attended dance classes. The employee who accumulated the most steps shared her success. “Before I started this challenge, I had already lost over 100 pounds, but I slowly started gaining it back. I had a goal to lose an extra 10 pounds and to gain muscle. During the Challenge, I went to the gym 6 to 7 days a week. I also stuck to a no salt, no sugar, high-protein diet.” Her body mass index (BMI) decreased from 28.1 to 24.5; she gained 6 pounds of muscle and lost 9 pounds. “Being a part of the Challenge made me stick to my diet and workout routine. Now I’m in the best shape of my life.”
Desert Sands Unified School District motivated both staff and students to participate through a variety of successful programs including an Employee Wellness Committee, health fair, after-hours fitness classes on school sites, and a running program for elementary students with guest visits for the high school track and cross country teams.
Their results were impressive! Eleven staff members joined the wellness committee; over 400 employees attended the health fair; over 50 participants logged 725+ hours of physical activities such as Zumba, yoga and hiking; and Hoover Elementary School joined Eisenhower Elementary School with a new student running program.
The “Best of the Best” winner will be awarded at the Healthy Lifestyle Challenge II luncheon on November 9. The Collaborative will also honor Mayor Steve Pougnet with the 2013 Healthy Lifestyle Advocate award for his many accomplishments in enhancing the health and well-being of Coachella Valley residents.
For more information on the Challenge, visit www.mywellsite.com/cvhc. The Coachella Valley Health Collaborative contact is Gary Jeandron, Project Director. (760) 341.2883, ext. 78163. [email protected].
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