2006 Press Releases
Rome Memorial Hospital Offers Successful ‘Choose to Move’ Program for Fourth Consecutive Year ROME – For the fourth consecutive year, Rome Memorial Hospital is offering the highly successful ‘Choose to Move’ program at Rome Free Academy – a 10-week fitness program developed by the American Heart Association that teaches people how to have fun making physical activity a regular part of their lifestyle. Advance registration is required for the program, which will be held 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, starting February 9, at the Rome Free Academy. To register, please call 338-7134 or e-mail your name, address and phone number to mvonmatt@romehospital.org by February 3. Class size is limited to 65 people. “This is an integrated program,” said Ms. Julie Chrysler, community educator at Rome Memorial Hospital and coordinator of Rome’s “Choose to Move” program. “Participants use RFA’s indoor track, but the program also features a speaker every week who provides various health and fitness information such as stress management or diet,” she said. Exercise professionals from the community lead participants in a warm-up and cool-down and offer advice and motivation to the walkers at each session. According to Von Matt, the class is a success because the program is an easy way to get started on the road to health. “It’s a relaxed atmosphere, you walk the track at RFA at your own pace and you set your own goals,” she said. Of those who completed the pre- and post-assessments at last year’s program, 60% lost weight, 50% decreased their heart attack risk factors and 40% lowered blood pressure. Von Matt said that another indicator that the program is a success is that participants continue to pursue a healthy lifestyle after the completion of the program either by joining a fitness class or continuing to walk. Rome resident Helene Fuller participated in the program last year, saying “This wonderful program included weight and cholesterol checks, a weekly health speaker, handouts to keep you motivated plus walking the indoor track at the beautiful new RFA. If you want to build strength and stamina, be entertained with health information, meet warm and friendly people and receive endless encouragement, leaders Miranda Von Matt and Lisa Staple have done all that and more to cover your health aspects mentally and physically. And, it is all for free!” she added. Developed by the American Heart Association and the Cooper Institute, “Choose To Move” addresses three areas -- physical activity, nutrition and weight management – to help participants lower their risks of cardiovascular disease. “Research points to exercise as the main way to reduce disease and to obtain overall health,” said Von Matt. “Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but you can reduce your risks of a heart attack by making small lifestyle changes one at a time,” said Lisa Staple, a registered nurse and program co-leader. “Almost everyone is familiar with the recommendations. We just have to put them into practice and stick with it. The rewards are a better quality of life.” “When you increase your physical activity, you receive the added benefits of higher energy levels and reduced stress,” VonMatt said. “The goal is for each participant to build up to 30 minutes of physical activity a day at least five days per week.” The “Choose To Move” program is sponsored by Rome Memorial Hospital and the Central Region of the American Heart Association in cooperation with the Rome City School District. | 
