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Y kicks off healthy living program

Yearlong effort will focus on exercise and nutrition; residents urged to sign up.

Kamiah Vickers is measured by YMCA volunteer Tiffany Whitaker during the Activate Butler County kickoff at the Princeton Pike Church of God on Saturday, Feb. 20.

David A. Moodie Kamiah Vickers is measured by YMCA volunteer Tiffany Whitaker during the Activate Butler County kickoff at the Princeton Pike Church of God on Saturday, Feb. 20.

ENLARGE PHOTO

Photos: Activate Butler Co. kickoff

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By Ryan Gauthier, Staff Writer Updated 8:20 AM Monday, February 22, 2010

LIBERTY TWP. — In the wake of being ranked one of the least healthy counties in Ohio recently, organizers kicked off a campaign pushing Butler County residents to reclaim their health.

Activate Butler County, a yearlong program aimed at helping participants find healthier ways to live, officially got under way Saturday, Feb. 20. More than 400 attendees packed the Princeton Pike Church of God to register to take part in the program and receive access to a few health-related goodies.

Linda Martin, spokeswoman with the Great Miami Valley YMCA, said at least 75 people were lined up at 10 a.m. to get weighed and have their blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar tested.

Through a combination of exercise and nutrition, Martin said the YMCA is trying to “bring the obesity epidemic to the forefront of Butler County.”

Area residents will be able to register throughout the year at www.activatebutler countyohio.com.

When they weren’t busy getting free massages and paraffin wax treatments, attendees were able to try a sampling of group fitness classes available at the YMCA or could sit in on presentations from several special guests.

Former Cincinnati Bengals defensive back David Fulcher was one of the event’s featured speakers, discussing the importance of fitness and good sportsmanship to the development of the area’s youth.

“We need to give them positive advice,” Fulcher said. “We have a responsibility as parents to raise our children. And that is our greatest responsibility.”

Fulcher said he had to train himself to make healthy decisions when it comes to eating.

“I used to eat maybe three or four pieces of grilled chicken for a meal,” he said. “Over time I realized if I eat a big salad beforehand, I’m a lot less likely to stuff myself with chicken.”

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