Frequently Asked Questions

What is Activate Gaston?
Activate Gaston is a FREE year-round healthy living awareness program that targets youth and adult obesity and related diseases. The program encourages participants to accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity five days per week by completing their daily activity log online.  Participants will receive Healthy Living information about nutrition, exercise and health education weekly on the website.   Participants also take part in weekly and monthly weigh-ins and counseling, as well as attend “Health Talks,” a series of lectures by wellness and medical experts that focus on topics related to health and wellness.  Participants will be challenged to begin healthy eating and regular moderate-intensity exercise. They will be supported by wellness experts (over a year) as they jumpstart their quest for a healthy lifestyle.

Who sponsors Activate Gaston?
The Gaston County Family YMCA, CaroMont Health, Gaston College, Gaston County Health Department, Gaston County Schools, Fitness and Nutrition Council, and Gaston County Healthcare Commission have combined resources in an effort to address the growing obesity epidemic in our area and make Gaston County healthier. 

Who is eligible to participate in Activate Gaston?
All residents ages 9 and up of Gaston County are eligible.
There is no cost to participate in Activate Gaston.

When and how do I register some friends? 
Registration is easy. Have them go to the webiste www.activategaston.org and click on Register Now.  Invite them to the next weigh-in on Friday.  

What if I missed the Kickoff Event?
It’s not too late to register. Participants can register all year long. Online registration starts January 15th, 2008.

What is my username and password?
Your username is automatically generated and sent to your email address when you register. It is the first letter of your first name plus your last name plus the last four digits of your phone number.  Your password is the last four digits of your social security number or the four digit number you provided at the time of registration.

What happens if I miss a weigh-in?
You can continue to participate but you will not have your weight logged for the weigh-in you missed. You will also not be eligible for one of the monthly prize drawings for the month you missed.

How do I track my progress?
You can view your progress by viewing your "My Page" on the website. Click on your Weight Loss Graph or your Physical Activity Graph to see how you have progressed. You must be logged in to view your progress.

How do I enter my activity minutes?
Login with the username and password that was created for you when you registered. Click on My Page.  Click on Track My Physical Activity. To enter Physical Activity chose an activity by clicking on the drop down box for Activity 1. Click on the activity you performed. Then enter the number of minutes you performed that activity in the number of minutes box provided. Repeat for Activity 2 and 3 if needed. Click Save. You must click Save for your information to be added to your calendar. To enter or change an activity for a previous date, click on the desired underlined date and follow the instructions above.

What information is on “My Page”?
You can track your physical activity, calculate your BMI, view your Weight Loss Graph, view your Physical Activity Graph, change your password, access the Healthy Living Guide, and find out dates, time, and locations of Health Talks and Weigh-ins.

Should I consult a doctor before beginning this exercise program?
We recommend that you consult your doctor before beginning any exercise program. We have provided a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire in the Healthy Living Guide to help you assess your readiness to participate in physical activity. 

What activities are eligible for the physical activity goal?
Choose moderate-intensity physical activities such as the following:

Aerobics Classes Bicycling Calisthenics (no weight) Dancing Elliptical Trainer Golf, Carrying Clubs Hiking Jumping Rope Lacrosse Martial Arts Other Ball Games Racquetball                                      Jogging

Rock Climbing Rowing Running Skating Skiing Soccer Stair Climbing Swimming Tennis Volleyball Walking Briskly Weight Training

What is moderate-intensity physical activity?
When participating in moderate-intensity physical activity, your heart rate and breathing are elevated above resting values. You should always be able to talk but not easily sing while performing moderate-intensity activity. If you cannot talk, you may be exercising too intensely. If you can easily sing, the exercise may be too easy. Brisk walking or an equivalent activity, would qualify as moderate-intensity physical activity for many individuals.

Do I have to perform the 30 minutes of activity at one time?
The Activate program is designed to help you incorporate regular physical activity into your everyday life. You are more likely to adhere to an active lifestyle if you set aside time to be active on most days of the week. However, if you are short on time, you can accumulate the 30 minutes of activity in bouts of at least 10 minutes throughout the day.

Can I accumulate all of my activity minutes in one day?
No. In order to meet the goal, you must participate in at least 30 minutes of activity 5 or more days per week. It is important to be physically active on most days of the week.

Can I participate in the Group/Company Challenge?
Any group of three or more people can register for the Group/Company Challenge. As an employee or a member of a participating group, you must still register yourself in Activate Gaston. On the registration screen look for your group in the drop down menu under “Group/Company”.

What if I forgot to designate my Group Name when I registered?
Please use the contact us feature on the Activate Gaston home page and select join a group. Please designate your username, first name, last name, and the group you wish to join.

How do I register a group?
Use the contact us feature on the website, select Group/Company Challenge and provide the following information. Group Name, Contact Name, E-Mail Address, Street Address, City, State, Zip Code, and Phone Number. Please allow 48 business hours for your group to become registered.

Can I be a part of 2 or more Group/Company Challenges?  No, you can only be a part of one Group/Company Challenge.  Tell your Group/Company that you can create smaller teams within your group to create lots of fun and team camaraderie. It’s easy.

Who is eligible for the monthly prize drawings?
Everyone who attended the previous weigh-in will be entered into one of the monthly prize drawings. Everyone who accumulates 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity 5 days per week will be entered for another monthly prize drawing. Your name will be entered for each week you meet your physical activity goal.

When are the monthly prize drawings chosen?
The drawings will take place on the Monday following the third Friday of each month. The winners will be notified and it will be posted on the website.