A Healthier Weigh – how far will you go?

Need a jump start to get your 2023 headed in a healthier direction?  If so, the “A Healthier Weigh” program, sponsored by Colorado State University Golden Plains Area Extension, may be what you are looking for.  This program has been revamped from past years allowing for a fun, supportive environment with online educational lessons, step competition, online discussion group, wellness challenges, face to face learning session and an activity competition across multiple counties. The focus of this health and fitness program is to increase activity, make wiser food choices, and live a healthier lifestyle.

The program kicks off during the first week in January across six different counties in northeastern Colorado by conducting weigh-ins. During weigh-ins, participants will receive their materials and pedometers to record steps which are reported on a weekly basis. Participants will also use the InBody Machine which is a sophisticated machine that provides feedback on your weight and breaks down your body analysis — body fat, water, lean muscle mass, BMR, and segmental strength. Phillips County will weigh in during the following two days: Jan. 5 at the Haxtun Community Center from 3-7 p.m. and Jan. 6 at the Phillips County Extension office from 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.. With week one of the A Healthier Weigh program starting on Monday, Jan. 9 for all counties.

Participants will complete weekly lessons on health and nutrition that are on the Golden Plains Area Extension website or can be distributed in print form (if needed).  Each lesson is followed by three to five simple questions participants answer. This year we will be providing other ways to gain credit for lessons as well as providing face-to-face learning opportunities. Participants will also earn points throughout the 12-weeks for activity recorded as well as each educational lesson completed.

Weekly weights will not be taken, but a participant check-in will occur at the six-week mark and during weigh-outs.  Cash prizes will be given at the conclusion of the challenge for winners in each category — individual, pairs of two and team of four. An overall grand traveling prize will be given to the county that wins the county vs county activity challenge.

Start putting a team together today — anyone over the age of 18 is invited to join in this fun, supportive 12-week challenge. Invite your family members, friends, co-workers, community organization members or church groups to join and enter as a team of four, a pair of two or join as an individual. 

To learn more or to sign up for the 2023 A Healthier Weigh challenge, contact your local extension office today. CSU Phillips County Extension, Stephanie Starkebaum, (970) 854-3616; Logan County Extension, Jaci Wagner at (970) 522-3200; Yuma County Extension, Joy Akey at (970) 332-4151; Kit Carson County, McKayla Stephen at (719) 346-5571; Morgan County Extension, Katie Seelhoff at (970) 542-3540; and Washington County Extension, Anne Mason at (970) 345-2287.