Program offers a way to take off weight

Iowans who hope to get their bodies in better shape in 2003 might consider organizing a work-out team of friends and co-workers to tackle the statewide “Lighten Up Iowa” competition. Ruth Litchfield, an I-S-U Extension nutrition specialist, says the program’s premise is simple.It tries to get us all to improve our eating habits, exercise and to improve the overall health of the state. Iowans can put together teams of between two and ten people, send in ten dollars each to register, then take off. All participants get a team T-shirt and enrollment in the “Volkswalk” at the 2003 Summer Iowa Games in Ames. Litchfield says the team mentality can truly help individuals accomplish their goals.The competition runs five months and begins on January 6, 2003, which is also the deadline for registration. Litchfield says there are two ways to enter the competition. Teams can register as distance walked — but they can accululate miles based on jogging, walking, running, biking, swimming or even doing chores like housework. There’s also an option for a team weigh-in and weigh-out at the end, with prizes for the most pounds lost. For details, surf to “www.lightenupiowa.org”.