You can’t change your genetic background, but you can change your lifestyle to fight heart disease and stroke.
That’s just what 11 women began to do on Tuesday, March 1, at the American Heart Association, as they begin their 12-week journey into better heart health with the kickoff of the BetterU Makeover Challenge.
This is the sixth year that the American Heart Association has held a BetterU program. Past participants have lowered their cholesterol and blood pressure, improved their diets, incorporated exercise into their routines, and lost weight. One woman lost 100 pounds and became an Adirondack 46er.
On the 1st, a representative from CDPHP provided health assessments for the group, including blood pressure measurements; Ellie Wilson, Price Chopper dietitian, spoke to the group, as did Neil and Jane Golub of Price Chopper. Capital District YMCA staff provided a fitness assessment to each member, and explained their complimentary membership. The women had “before” picture taken, and videotaped their reason for starting the program.
“Heart disease in women is often overlooked and undertreated,” said Neil Golub, executive chairman of the board, Price Chopper Supermarkets, and a sponsor of The BetterU. “The BetterU program educates women about their risks for heart disease, and provides real tools for them to use to prevent heart disease.”
“We have sponsored the BetterU for six years,” said Jane Golub, Director of In-Store Marketing Programs at Price Chopper. “Each year, I am impressed with the results the participants achieve. The education about diet, exercise and lifestyle helps them each attain a higher quality of life. I’m looking forward to meeting this year’s group.”
Following the launch, the BetterU members will be able to regularly work out at the Y.
“The Capital District YMCA is honored to partner with the American Heart Association and Price Chopper for the 2016 BetterU Makeover Challenge,” said Lisa Wolcott, director of corporate partnerships, Capital District YMCA. “We look forward to engaging with participants and assisting them on their 12 week journey.”
The BetterU Makeover Challenge will be highlighted at the Go Red for Women Luncheon on Thursday, May 26 at the Albany Marriott.
The 2016 BetterU Makeover Challenge is sponsored by Price Chopper, Neil and Jane Golub, CDPHP and the YMCA. The Times Union is the media sponsor.