The Daily Scoop / Annual 2012 / "Be Active" on Jan. 28 at Blue Ridge Mall

"Be Active" on Jan. 28 at Blue Ridge Mall

The 4th Annual “Be Active Day” will be held Saturday, January 28, from 11 a.m. to  3 pm at center court at the Blue Ridge Mall to encourage all Henderson County residents to enjoy a more vigorous lifestyle.

“It’s important for all ages to be active, especially in light of the high percentage of obesity in North Carolina,” said Linda Charping, Health Education Director at the Henderson County Department of Public Health. “The goal of Be Active Day is to inspire everyone to move more and to show what is available in our community to help them be active.”

The Department of Public Health’s 2011 Community Health Assessment lists obesity as one of the top three priorities for 2011-2015. In 2010, North Carolina had the 10th highest adult obesity rate and the 11th highest childhood obesity rate in the nation. Two-thirds (65%) of adults in North Carolina are overweight or obese. Nearly one out of three (32%) children ages 10-17 in North Carolina is overweight or obese.

“Be Active Day is just one more way to combat these statistics,” added Health Department Health Promotion Coordinator Tricia Stauffer. “We want to encourage activity by showcasing different modes of getting the activity your body needs. Who knows? You might go home enthusiastic about a new way to move.”

Demonstrations will be held every half hour starting at 11:30 a.m. with the Forge Mountain Cloggers followed by demonstrations featuring Jazzercise, yoga, Pat’s School of Dance, tai chi, Zumba and another scheduled demonstration by Pat’s School of Dance at 2:30 pm.

Attendees may also join interactive games and activities that encourage movement such as hula-hoops, bean bags, Frisbees, and more.

In addition to fun activities, demonstrations, and games, there will also be give-a-ways including a Wii™ System donated by the Appalachian Be Active Partnership. Four people will also be awarded a round of golf for two, donated by Grove Park Inn.

Henderson County Youth Baseball will be set up to take registration for ages 4-12 for the 2012 Spring Baseball season. Henderson County Youth Softball will also be taking registration for ages 4-18.

The first Be Active Day was held in 2009. The original focus of the event was to emphasize the state’s "Eat Smart, Move More" campaign and increase awareness about the need to move more every day, reduce TV time, prepare more meals at home, consider portion sizes and beverage choices and eat more fruits and vegetables.

For tips on physical activity and healthy eating, visit myeatsmartmovemore.com. For more information on Be Active Day, call 694-6065.