Update on the Mayors' Challenge

Here's an update that was sent on Monday (it's been that kind of week) from the folks with the Mayors' Challenge:

Benefits of Dairy
You probably know that dairy foods are good for you because of the calcium they offer, but did you know that dairy foods can help you keep weight off? Low fat dairy foods have been shown to keep you full longer which can reduce your daily caloric intake and help you slim down. Choose low fat milk, cheeses, and yogurt for optimal benefits.

Exercise Myths
There is a lot of information (and misinformation) about exercise in the news and on the Internet. How do you decide what to believe? According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, these are some common exercise myths that need to be debunked:

- Women shouldn’t strength train: many women believe that strength training (weight lifting) will make them too look like bodybuilders. The truth is, women don’t have nearly enough testosterone to create muscles that big. Strength training is an important exercise, and provides both women and men tremendous physical benefit by strengthening the body and reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

- Light weights on your arms or legs can boost your exercise benefit: According to exercise experts, carrying light weights during a walk or run will make your aerobic exercise less effective, and won’t give you any strength training benefit.

- Weight gain is inevitable as you age: Not true! As you age, your body naturally loses muscle mass, which causes weight gain. Regular exercise and strength training can offset this tendency and help you maintain your weight.


Mark Your Calendar
Don’t forget to invite your friends and family to finish off the Mayors’ Challenge with the Get Healthy Guilford walk from 1-3 p.m. April 14. Information here.


Mayors' Update
Our eight mayors are sticking with their program and have lost more than 40 pounds so far! Please share your success story here.