Age appropriate activities will be proposed.

• Points will be awarded to participants for changes made from pre-test to post-test.

• Benchmarks proposed are ones that are considered to be least dependent on socio-economic status.

• Wellness coaches will assist in goal setting, training and activity choices for participants.

• All data collection will be done by health coaches and challenge team. Data entry, analysis and management will be done by Armstrong Atlantic State University/Masters of Public Health faculty (Savannah) and will be audited by a representative in the City of Albany and Albany State University.

We will work with schools on wellness guidelines (YBH) and work with the universities on research and matching community resources with areas of need. We will repeat the challenge over the course of five years as public interest (and funding) grows, the measured results are published and the findings promote positive behavioral modifications.

Through referrals from churches, grassroots/non-profit organizations, print and radio advertisement, interested families will complete an application to participate in the Well City 2012 Challenge. Deadline:  10-20-07

The application will address the importance of their commitment by incorporating questions that will promote activities and encourage education on physical fitness, nutritional, and mental health programs that will serve as an agent to induce visible change.

Application questions include:

• Willing to commit to making lifestyle changes to improve your individual and family health and fitness?

• Can you share some of your privacy and commit to having your own personal wellness coach to access and support the changes desired?

• Are you open to being interviewed by the media in order to educate the community on the comprehensive nature of wellness?

The criteria for selection is based upon the overall health and assessment of the family. Families who are the most at risk and have extreme cases of obesity and health issues will have a greater chance of selection.

* Families must sign a statement of agreement, pledge to set and keep goals and the necessary data release forms.

Initial Health Screenings                         

The health assessment, screening and fitness assessment includes the following:

• Health Assessment based upon three dimensional wellness model
• Height and Weight
• Body Mass Index
• Waist and Hip Measurements and Ratio
• Blood pressure check
• Pulse
• Lipid Profile
• Fasting Glucose
• Fitness Assessment: 4 minute walk test, muscular strength, endurance and flexibility

Families will also be required to attend   nutrition classes offered by EFNEP and to take advantage of FREE fitness opportunities offered by the Challenge.

The Well City 2012 Challenge is an excellent opportunity for our sponsored families to get some of the health screenings that they may have postponed or unable to obtain. Diseases which have been detected during health screenings include diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma, breast cancer and prostate cancer. Early detection is a key factor in the successful treatment of disease.