Strength in Numbers presented at chamber luncheon

Nevada Daily Mail

Do you believe you can influence your own health?

That question was posed by Tammy Roberts with the University of Missouri Extension to Nevada Vernon County Chamber of Commerce members in attendance Friday at the chamber's monthly luncheon.

Held at the Healthy Nevada Innovation Center above the Nevada Public Library, the luncheon focused on Roberts' presentation of the UM Extension's partnership initiative with Healthy Nevada -- Strength in Numbers.

The program seeks to build community involvement through an outreach education and fitness challenge to various groups and organizations.

"We hope to have people commit to living healthier," said Roberts.

The Strength in Numbers program brings together a coordinator for each group along with the program chairpersons for a monthly meeting that tackles a specific topic. The meetings take place at the Innovation Center the first Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m.

New year's resolutions, heart health, the link between sugar and disease, have been among those areas targeted.

The program encourages each person taking part to set his or her own healthy goals and write them down, with the belief that such goal setting in written form provides a stronger motive to attain the person's desired outcome.

"Sharing that goal with others," said Roberts, is a further way to succeed, with the resulting support network providing encouragement.

A number of civic organizations have joined the project, she said, noting that the Nevada Lions Club was among the first to do so and that the club has challenged other groups in the endeavor.

Lions Strength in Numbers chair Dr. Ronald Schowengerdt said the club tracks the miles walked by its members who are participating, with a weekly count posted and shared. The club recently added an upper body component, with pushups, and another focused on weight maintenance and weight loss.

Such efforts make an impact, said Roberts, not only in better individual health, but also in a positive influence in the workplace.

"Having such a wellness program reduces absenteeism, increases worker productivity and decreases medical costs.

"Every pound of weight lost is a four-pound reduction in knee joint stress," she added.

"And with a five to 10 percent weight loss, that has a positive impact on your blood pressure, blood sugar, triglyceride and cholesterol levels, and possibly even sleep apnea."

Concluding, Roberts said taking part in the Strength in Numbers program leads to weight loss and increased physical activity, through screening benefits, group goals and tracking.

"The one thing I want people to know is that we would love to have more people join Strength in Numbers," said Roberts. "I don't know of anyone who doesn't need to make some sort of change that would benefit their health. Being a part of a Strength in Numbers group just improves the potential for long-term success."

Those interested in learning more can contact Roberts at Robertstt@missouri.edu, Rachel Morris at Rachel.morris@cerner.com, or Stephanie Mosbrucker at mosbruckers@missouri.edu.