Reclaiming health in eight weeks

Mon, Apr 27th 2015, 10:47 PM

Heather Cartwright-Theriault, Shenique Ford, Louise Marshall, Dwight Moncur and Betty Taylor have been given the opportunity to turn their health and lives around, as the five finalists in Colina Insurance Limited's Wellness in Action: Reclaim Your Health Eight-week Wellness Challenge - a wellness program designed to launch five Colina clients on a public journey toward better health and prizes valued up to $3,000.

Colina, the largest provider of life and health insurance in the country, has partnered with Jemi Health & Wellness and the Walk-In Medical Clinic in the endeavor.

"The invisible epidemic of chronic lifestyle diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, heart disease and stroke are challenges that have reached epidemic proportions in The Bahamas," said Colina Vice President of Group and Health Benefits Wendy Butler. "Our Wellness in Action program tackles this issue for our clients and promotes healthy behaviors. Our tagline is 'reclaim your health', and Colina is the right brand to spearhead this initiative that promotes the importance of diet, nutrition and exercise in the enjoyment of a healthy lifestyle."

The wellness journey began on Facebook in March. Five contestants were selected from dozens of participants who wrote to Colina to explain why they needed to adopt healthier eating and exercise habits. The chosen five have an ambitious set of goals before them -- to lose a total of 277 pounds, reduce bad cholesterol, balance blood pressure and reduce BMIs (body mass indexes) to a healthy range. The fitness regimen involves weekly coaching meetings, challenging workouts with Jemi's personal trainers and solo exercise.

Health Coach and President of Jemi Wellness Janette Martin-Isaacs said the wellness approach must be holistic.

"For many people, the weight loss journey lags because they're just trying to fix the physical part of themselves; we combine exercise with behavior modification and help them with true wellness so that they can be successful with weight loss," said Martin-Isaacs.

"I have always struggled with my weight," said Cartwright-Theriault. "As an adult I have lost and gained the same 30 pounds over and over. Now, balancing work and taking care of my family, it seems that I just cannot get on track and stay on track. So please let me be one of the five."

Betty Taylor said that the benefits of the challenge would bring very practical victories for her.

"I would like to be able to walk the stairs and not feel winded," she said. "In my job, I need to be walking constantly without getting tired. I need a jumpstart to lose weight and I feel this program will be the jumpstart I need."

The winner of the challenge will be announced on June 12. The prize bundle is designed to help the winner continue his or her healthy lifestyle journey, including a year's membership at Jemi Wellness, three-month nutritionist consultation, three-month personal training services, a spa package, a NutriBullet and a workout wardrobe.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian

 Sponsored Ads