Members are placed in groups based on similar needs and situations. Types of groups available include: » women » postpartum » men » adolescent » older adults

Group meeting times vary to meet the needs of members in the program.

• Dietary/Nutritional Counseling – Each member receives an individualized dietary analysis and ongoing nutritional counseling and support. We do not believe that members should completely avoid any food items, therefore, we work with each individual to develop improved nutritional intake.

Further, we encourage members to develop the strategy of eating in moderation so that no one feels the need to be deprived of foods they love. The BodyWise program is not based on a pre-made meal plan and always takes into account individual factors for overall dietary success.

• Exercise/Fitness Routine – We believe that the best way to become fit, and stay healthy, is to develop an approach that incorporates fitness into one’s life, not working one’s life around exercise. Our staff is trained to work with members to develop a successful fitness program that is specific to each member’s needs. Further, if members need additional support, staff can work-out with members during the early weeks of the program until members feel comfortable on their own. Our program goes beyond simply exercising at a gym, although that is always available.

We also organize fitness outings, led by one of our health consultants, which include: hiking, biking, cross-country skiing, and much more! Because we believe fitness should be a part of life, we ask members to complete daily activity logs.

Members are also matched with a peer from the program to help support and encourage fitness.


• Individual Meetings – BodyWise’s trained staff are available to provide ongoing support and encouragement to members. Individual meetings will be set up for participants needing additional support, especially early on in the process, so that members have the time and support necessary for individual success.


Why Develop a Healthy Lifestyle?

Benefits:

It is well documented in the research that our society is becoming increasingly sedentary, while at the same time food and beverage serving sizes continue to increase. Further, with schedules becoming more chaotic and overwhelming, there is often less time to cook nutritious meals. Therefore, many people opt to eat out, which often does not provide nutritious, low fat options. With this combination, it is difficult for individuals to keep their health and their weight a priority.

Weight gain and obesity are influenced by multiple factors, including: behavioral, genetic, environmental, cultural, metabolic, and social factors. Behavioral and environmental factors are large contributors to weight issues and provide the greatest opportunity for intervention and change. BodyWise will help individuals focus on mitigating social and dietary factors leading to weight gain, while increasing activity level.

The health complications of being overweight are alarming and include heart disease, stroke, sleep apnea, some types of cancer, Type-2 diabetes, stroke, arthritis, and breathing problems. Further, psychological disorders, such as depression, can be associated with being overweight and/or obese (DHHS, 2006). Physical activity promotes weight loss, assists in the prevention of obesity, and helps to prevent heart disease, control cholesterol levels, slow bone loss, lower the risk of certain cancers, and helps reduce anxiety and depression (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). Improving overall health, including having an appropriate weight, can significantly decrease these health risks. Further, increased physical activity can improve feelings of self-esteem and feelings of self-worth.