Fun run was to help fight obesity

About 100 people turned out last Sunday to walk to inspire healthy lifestyles. 

The Health Ministries Department of the George Town Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted a Let’s Move Day fun run and walk to help fight obesity. The organisers were inspired by the In Step For Life fitness programme initiated by the North America Division of Seventh-day Adventists, which teamed with Michelle Obama. She established a programme in 2011 to help fight childhood obesity. The George Town SDA Church members were joined by other churches and members of the community. 

The event was organised by Annie K. Price, Health Ministries leader for the church, along with members of the Health Ministries Team.  

At registration, walkers and runners were educated on the advantages of exercise by Pastor Dracket of the Filadelfia Church. Following warm-up exercises and a prayer, the group enjoyed a fun run and walk of about 4.2 miles.  

Two children who wasted no time and who demonstrated kids can have fun at these types of events were Pastor Al Powell’s sons Daniel and Felipe, who were accompanied by their mother Zoraida Powell, a health educator in the community with a nursing background. Pastor Powell had to be off island at the time, but his young associate pastor, Pastor Carlon Nyack was present. 

Upon their return, all participants were treated to a healthy breakfast of fruits and refreshing drinks of water. Social exchanges were made and many photos taken of the group wearing their Let’s Move T-shirts. 

Participants to met Ms Price the following day on the newly constructed track opposite the sports stadium, where they received pedometers, compliments of The Health Services Authority’s Public Health Department.  

Health Services Authority Health Promotions Officer Therese Prehay demonstrated how the pedometers work and educated the attendees that it should be worn for the entire day. People should aim for 10,000 steps per day to consistently lose weight.  

Additionally, she demonstrated the other features of the pedometers in calculating the number of miles walked and calories burned. An invitation was extended to the entire Let’s Move Day group and other members to join the Ministry of Health on the track at the official opening, which will be announced shortly. Pedometers will be made available at the official opening of the newly constructed track.