Heart fund wages war with fat

(CNS): The Cayman Heart Fund is looking for volunteers to commit to a 16 week-long weight loss challenge. The fourth annual War on Weight (WOW) competition is set to start on Monday, 22 August for people ready to lose the weight once and for all. The programme includes an hour of group exercise five times a week, bi-weekly visits with a team of medical professionals to ensure weight loss is safe and consistent, as well as a strict nutritional plan under the expert eye of a registered dietician. Each contestant will have access to more $2,000 of expert advice and training.

To help motivate contestants, former WOW participants as well as the WOW committee will be on hand for added support. This year WOW will invite friends, family, and the local community to participate and support one another.

Activities will include weekend morning walks, Saturday introductory activities, and a family fun day sponsored completely by supporting businesses and members of the community.  Last year activities included salsa dancing at The Wharf, spinning at Revolutions, a grocery tour at Foster’s guided by WOW’s Dietician Chad Collins, as well as a kick-off evening at Full of Beans who served healthy tapas.

In 2010 the finale breakfast was hosted at The Ritz-Carlton where Glenda Dilbert-Davis was titled 2010’s WOW winner with a total weight loss of 35.5 lbs.  The guest of honour, NBC’s The Biggest Loser 2010 winner Patrick House and family who congratulated WOW contestants and spoke about his life-changing experience on the show.

A select number of applicants will be asked to interview with the committee to ensure they are dedicated to losing weight and living a healthier lifestyle, before the final 20 participants are selected.  The competition is primarily aimed at adults who have a Body Mass Index of 30 or more.  All participants will be expected to become dedicated ambassadors of the Cayman Heart Fund’s mission to promote a healthy change in lifestyle.

Contestants are measured by a formula approved by WOW’s expert advisors, as well as points gained by programme participation. Winners will go on to garner a prize package containing gifts to celebrate hard work and continue on a weight maintenance regime.
Cayman Heart Fund Chairman David Dinner said the competition is designed for those who really have a heartfelt desire to make a change and lead a healthier lifestyle.

“This year we are looking for contestants truly committed to becoming a lifelong ambassador of War on Weight,” Dinner said. “We are seeking those who are prepared to go that extra mile and set an example to a community in need of motivation and support in the battle against obesity. We have had some strong participants in previous years and many will be present to encourage this year’s group success in our forth WOW challenge.

Getting involved in a competition provides access to the experts, tools, and support needed to attain discipline and self-confidence in order to achieve personal goals and transform your life.”

He added that WOW was about increasing awareness, especially those with a family history of obesity and cardiovascular disease, on the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and exercising regularly.

“Every year the WOW competition continues to grow and this year will be the biggest and best yet. We are truly very excited about what we have lined up,” Dinner said.

The competition includes:
Fitness – five days a week mandatory programme, which will include a wide range of group instruction and activities, as well as access to a fitness centre. Nutrition – bi-weekly consultation with a dietician, as well as a customized meal plan.
Medical – health screening, blood testing and monitoring by physicians and accompanying supporters.
Psychology – consultation and counselling by an approved professional throughout the competition for proactive mental advancement and support.
Education – informative seminars and workshops to educate contestants on the components of the programme.
Community involvement – WOW contestants will participate in activities to help promote the programme as well as assist with charity and community events.

The WOW competition is funded by the CHF, a non-profit, non-government organization dedicated to the reduction of heart and circulatory disease in the Cayman Islands. Heart and circulatory disease, known as cardiovascular disease, is one of the biggest health problems in the Cayman Islands.

Marking its fourth year as a non-profit organization, the CHF has a number of goals, which includes improving the quality of life to all those affected by cardiovascular disease by providing the community with information, education, and participation through free screening clinics, contests, events, and its annual expo.

All program information can be found on www.caymanactive.com/wow including WOW 2011 Contestant Applications, alternatively email wowcayman@yahoo.com.
Deadline for application is Friday, 12 August