Program Description

The Gaston County Family YMCA, CaroMont Health, Gaston County Health Department, Gaston College, Gaston County Schools, Fitness and Nutrition Council and Gaston County Healthcare Commission combined resources to continue their effort to address the growing obestiy epidemic in our area and make Gaston County healthier.

Activate Gaston:

• is a FREE year-round healthy living awareness program that targets youth and adult obesity and related diseases
• encourages participants to accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity five days per week
• provides Healthy Living information about nutrition, exercise and health education weekly
• sponsors regular weigh-ins and counseling
• presents "Health Talks," a series of lectures by wellness and medical experts
• challenges everyone, young and old, to begin healthy eating and regular moderate-intensity exercise.

Regular physical activity reduces the risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure. It helps control weight and contributes to healthy bones, muscles, and joints. It helps relieve the pain of arthritis and reduces the symptoms of anxiety and depression. People of all ages who are generally inactive can impove their health and well being by becoming active at a moderate-intensity on a regular basis.

Group/Company Challenge:

• Any group of three or more people can register for the Group/Company Challenge, just contact Susan Mosk @ 704-865-8551; smosk@gastonymca.org.
• As an employee or a member of a participating group, you still need to register yourself in Activate Gaston. Register @ www.activategaston.org. 
• Every group that has 50% of their registered participants attend the weigh-ins 75% of the time will receive a plaque and public recognition for their achievement.
• Groups can check their progress on the website.