SEARHC - What's New - Romee McAdams enjoys test run of WISE At Every Size program

Romee McAdams enjoys test run of WISE At Every Size program

It didn't take much to make Romee McAdams an advocate of SEARHC's new WISE At Every Size program.

Romee took part in a test run for the new program, which officially launches in January, and she said the introductory video sold her. The video, an excerpt from a PBS Frontline special called "Fat," featured a 250-pound triathlete and a heavyset doctor who runs 35 miles a week. Romee said the video showed people can be fit and healthy at any size, and then backed it up with scientific data.

"The program reinforced the values I have already held for myself," Romee said. "I believe, first and foremost, the program promotes being OK with who you are and realizing that no matter where you are on the wellness continuum, you can make small incremental steps to improve your health and quality of life."

WISEWOMAN launches two new programs in January — WISE At Every Size and Wellness Coaching — and both programs are designed to support women to make healthy lifestyle changes to prevent chronic disease. WISE At Every Size is for groups of women, while Wellness Coaching provides a one-on-one relationship between the client and counselor.

Both programs are recommended for women with at least one risk factor — tobacco use, high blood pressure, diabetes or high cholesterol. In each program, the women set short- and long-term goals. The woman's medical provider is a member of the team.

WISE At Every Size is based on the principles of "Health At Every Size," which shifts the focus away from dieting and toward healthy eating, physical activity, and body acceptance. Each woman does a two-minute step test at the start of the class, then again at the end. Romee said she improved by 12 steps.

"This is not about dieting. It's about wellness and doing things that are good for your body and accepting where you're at," Romee said. "It's not all or nothing. It's a constant journey you can do long term." Even though WISE At Every Size isn't geared toward weight loss, she still lost 25 pounds over 15 weeks. "I definitely recommend it."

For information on either program, contact WISEWOMAN at 966-8782 in Sitka, 1-888-388-8782 toll-free in Alaska or by e-mail at askwh@searhc.org. WISE At Every Size will be offered in Sitka, Juneau, Haines, Klukwan, Klawock, Kake and Angoon to start.

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