'Move Me' Project Launches -- Wairarapa DHB

'Move me' project launches tomorrow

This week the Wairarapa DHB confronts a 'Big' problem head on, with three high profile people becoming 'Lifestyle Champions' and very publicly stepping out on a year's journey of lifestyle change and weight reduction.

Wairarapa DHB tackling a 'big' problem

Their 'Move Me' programme has been designed by the Wairarapa Public Health Unit, and is supported by CLM Health and Fitness Carterton's Resolution's Health and Fitness Gyms and local media.

"It all started with me taking a long hard look at myself," says Health Promoter Nicky Poona, who delivers the 'Health Promoting Schools' programme throughout the Wairarapa. "I feel I can't deliver the message effectively the shape I'm in right now, so I talked to colleagues in the Public Health Unit, and it snowballed from there."

The Public Health Unit immediately saw the potential for getting across the 'Healthy eating, Healthy action' message by telling real stories about real people - warts and all.

"We all know that obesity is a growing problem in New Zealand," says project co-ordinator Anna Stuart. "Lots of people think that it's just a matter of dieting and self control to turn that around. It's not. It's all about balanced sustainable lifestyle changes. That's why fad diets don't work in the long run."

Quick to sign up for the programme were Masterton Pacific Island community co-ordinator Tere Torea and Carterton mayor Gary McPhee - 'with a bit of arm twisting' jokes Gary.

"I'm not ashamed to be part of this," says Tere. "There are a lot of big people out there, and if I can do it, then maybe other will do it too." Tere is relying on the support of his family, community and church groups to help him achieve his goals. "I want to be able to play golf and swim six lengths of the pool again - I used to be a really keen swimmer," he says.

Gary McPhee has his own reasons for wanting to make changes to his lifestyle. "I live in the public eye," he says. "What kind of message am I giving to our community? We have great facilities here in Carterton to support healthy lifestyles - I hope by using them myself, I'll inspire other people to get out there and give them a go too." One of Gary's measures of success will be how long it takes until he can run around Carrington Park - and how many others he sees doing the same.

"Since we started planning this project, it's kind of got a life of it's own," says Anna Smith. "Everyone we've spoken to has been really keen to support it, with our local radio station, More FM, putting up a parallel team of their own. They came to the weigh in with our Champions, and are in the process of setting their own goals. They hope to challenge other businesses to support their bigger employees to have a go too, and are tracking progress on their website www.morefm.co.nz"

ENDS

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