by Mike Ryan - Feb. 13, 2012 09:11 AM
General Manager
One of NBC's more popular shows is "The Biggest Loser."
The program challenges and encourages overweight contestants to shed pounds safely through diet and exercise with a grand prize of $250,000.
In reality, the program should be called, "The Biggest Winners" because these people are doing something about their health.
Who are "The Biggest Losers"? Those people who aren't doing a thing to help themselves and get in better shape. That's why Fit City Scottsdale was created.
This community has lots to be proud of, but one of them is not the significant number of people who are overweight or obese. They are not only a drag on themselves but on the medical system as a whole.
Fit City Scottsdale's purpose is to encourage people to live healthier, fitter lives.
If you are interested in doing that -- and who shouldn't be? -- here's a great event for you.
Next Saturday, Fit City Scottsdale will hold its community health and wellness expo.
This free event, geared for all ages, will take place at Scottsdale Community College from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Here's some of what you'll find:
A 5K run and a 1-mile fun run/walk for families.
More than 100 booths with great information to live healthier, fitter lives.
Plenty of sports demonstrations, including hands-on activities.
Healthy cookoffs and 15 restaurants on site.
Plenty of characters, including Transformers, Batman and your favorite mascots participating in an Olympics beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Kudos to Scottsdale Healthcare for taking the lead with Fit City Scottsdale and to Shape Up US for co-sponsoring the event.
Thanks also to all the other contributors, including SCC for hosting the event.
As a founder of Fit City Scottsdale, health and wellness is a passion of mine.
There are many things we can't control in life, but improving one's health is not one of them.
Every person can do something, from just walking to the corner of their street to refusing a second or third helping of their favorite food.
Too often people say, "I don't know where to start?"
Well, start with doing a little exercise and limiting your food intake.
You will be amazed at how much better you'll feel.
Instead, some people seem to revel in their self-induced pity party.
Americans on a whole are getting fatter, and that's scary.
Obesity costs the country a staggering $147 billion a year in weight-related medical costs, according to government data in a USA Today article.
A big clamor from citizens about government is cutting America's waste.
Let's also start cutting America's waist.
And Scottsdale should lead the way.
If you're looking for encouragement and great ways to live a fitter, healthier life, then Fit City Scottsdale is for you.
Hope to see you next Saturday.
Michael Ryan is vice president of the community Republics and general manager of the Scottsdale Republic. He is a founder of Fit City Scottsdale. He can be reached at mryan@republicmedia.com or at 602-444-5810. For information, please go to fitcityscottsdale.org or contact Jyl Steinback, executive director of Shape Up US, at jyl@shapeupus.org or 602-996-6300.
See the article here:
Fit City is ready to inspire everyone to get in shape
