Interest up in Elgin fat-burning effort
As politicians talk about health care reform, organizers of Activate Elgin - an initiative spearheaded by the YMCA - say you don't need a total lifestyle overhaul to be healthier and more active.
Small things like taking more walks or learning more about nutrition and then applying it can go a long way toward living a healthier lifestyle.
That's one message delivered by YMCA officials Wednesday as they outlined how they're working with all segments of Elgin, including the city, churches, schools and businesses, and offering grants to encourage people to live healthier lives.
"The worst thing that can happen to Activate Elgin is that it's not embraced by the community," said Rick Reigner, president and CEO of the Greater Elgin Area YMCA. "No one organization can do it on their own."
Activate Elgin was formed about three years ago as the Centers for Disease Control listed obesity as not only a problem but an epidemic.
With Elgin recently making bad news as being tabbed as the fattest city in Illinois based on driver's license data, Reigner said Activate Elgin only takes on more importance.
But the change in attitudes and behavior won't happen overnight, he warned. It could take as many as 10 years. Officials will start by gathering baseline data for Elgin.
Activate Elgin officials also landed a $48,000 grant from Kane County.
The money will be divvied up into 48 mini-grants of $1,000 spread across four categories: faith-based groups, schools, businesses and neighborhood/community organizations.
When mid-August rolled around, no one had applied for a grant. But now interest is growing.
Melissa Serritella, Activate Elgin coordinator, said 11 applications have been received so far, but she expects about 25 more before the deadline on Tuesday.
She said YMCA officials are looking for a sustainable program that can be renewed year after year through community sponsorships, not just a one-time event like a health fair. Some examples include a jump rope club and healthy cooking seminars for parents.
"We're really trying to inspire people to make small lifestyle changes. It doesn't even require money," Serritella said.
For details, call (847) 888-7410, ext. 37 or visit activateelgin.com.