From original article at UP4Health.org

SAULT STE. MARIE, MICHIGAN (Jan. 25, 2016) – Getting started is often the hardest part about committing to a healthier more active lifestyle.  Sault Tribe Community Health is working to help turn at risk tribal members into success stories by engaging the community in a fun, 10-week weight management program.

MOVE! is a community-based weight management program that uses an individual and team approach to help participants achieve their health and wellness goals.  The program meets weekly at Big Bear Community Recreation Center in Sault Ste. Marie, and offers comprehensive curriculum that addresses weight management, physical activity, nutrition planning, and stress management.  MOVE! begins February 2 and continues through April 3.

The one-hour sessions are led by registered dietitians and exercise experts who provide group education and one-on-one fitness guidance in creating customized wellness plans.

“The goal of this program is to really encourage participants to work towards 150 minutes of physical activity each week,” said Heather Hemming, Certified Exercise Physiologist for Sault Tribe Community Health.  Sault Tribe Registered Dietitian, Mary Bunker added “it is mostly participant led class and relies on quite a bit on group support.  The success of the participants will depend on how much they put into it and how much personal responsibility they take.”

In addition to weekly weigh-ins, participants are encouraged to document weekly food intake and physical activity to log their progress.  Participants receive a complete fitness assessment, which is used to create customized wellness plans.  An orientation to gym exercise equipment is also provided.

This is the second year Sault Tribe Community Health is offering the MOVE! program.  MOVE! is a national program designed by the Veterans Administration National Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention.  Within its health division, Sault Tribe Community Health currently offers services in nutrition education and diabetes management.  They are looking at expanding services to include a physical activity component.

For more information about MOVE!, visit http://up4health.org/.