Lakewood's Live Well Wellness Challenge

After several weeks of enlightenment, education, and exercise, the Live Well Lakewood Wellness Challenge has drawn to a close. The Challenge began on May 6th; at that session, participants were weighed, measured (height, waist & hip,) had their body mass index calculated, had blood drawn for glucose and cholesterol levels, and their blood pressure was taken.  They were evaluated for strength and flexibility.  They united in teams of four, often consisting of family members, to provide support and encouragement.  Then they set about making positive changes in their health. 

Each Wednesday evening thereafter at City Hall Auditorium, Live Well Lakewood offered a wellness session.  Participants always went home with goodies—Vitamin Water, Nature’s Bin coupons, and hand sanitizer and calorie calculators from Drug Mart. There were tape measures and stretch bands from Lakewood Hospital, pedometers and water bottles from Medical Mutual, and lots of reading material.  Each week’s door prize offered a wellness supplement: Rec Department gift certificates, books on healthy living, even a basket of fresh fruits and vegetables.

The sessions consisted of two parts - a nutrition talk and an exercise sampler.  The nutrition information was provided by Candace Wiggins of OSU Extension and Amanda Spiro, R.D., Lakewood Hospital.  Those who skipped dinner to get there on time never suffered - Candace always brought food samples to illustrate the evening’s subject.  Participants got to try Tai Chi with Jim Kulma; Yoga with Evin Bodell of Westside Yoga; stretching with Dr. Mike Russell; Jazzercise with Karen Kilbane; RAPS with Shelley Mellino from Lakewood YMCA; FitCamp with Liz Donnelly of Training by Liz; and Zumba with Amy Annico.  There were a few groans, but mostly laughter and high spirits throughout the exercise sessions.

Using their pedometers to ensure they were walking at least 10,000 steps per day, everyone was encouraged to explore Lakewood on foot. The last Challenge session brought participants back for a re-check of the measures done in the first session to evaluate their progress.  The results were tabulated, and winners - male, female and team - were chosen based on those who made the most positive changes in the most categories. The winners, announced at the Lakewood Alive & Well StreetWalk on July 18th, were:  Michael Banek; Lorraine Giczkowski; and the Drops family - Michael, Kitty, Megan and Michelle Drops-Wolff. The Drops family will celebrate their win with lunch at Pier W, provided by Live Well Lakewood.  Michael and Lorraine each received gift certificates donated by 56West and Forbici Salon.

            Sponsors of the Live Well Lakewood Wellness Challenge were:

The City of Lakewood, Discount Drug Mart, Lakewood City Schools, Lakewood Hospital, Lakewood Recreation Department, Medical Mutual of Ohio, Nature’s Bin and OSU Extension.  Live Well Lakewood is a community organization dedicated to promoting healthy, active living in Lakewood.  For more information, e-mail info@livewelllakewood.org.