public health

Participants in the 2009 Fitness Challenge had the chance to ramp up their cardiovascular health by visiting ten stations at Community Development Recreationheadquarters on February 7, 2009 (www.gfrpartners.com/092ndFitnessChallenge.html). In recognition of the American Heart Association's Go Red For Women event the day before, participants were also able to get their blood sugar and cholesterol levels by staff from Southcoast Hospitals. Melyssa Boudray of the Providence office of the Heart Association was also on hand to give out information and to sign participants up for the Start Walkingprogram. Fitness instructor Amy Jonesthen challenged each participant to complete each of ten different exercises, including knee lifts, shoulder presses, bicep curls, half squats, kicks and arm extensions. "This was not an easy challenge" noted Jones, "but it showed people what they can do if they try" she added. The event was one of a series of bi-weekly events that will take place throughout the four-month Challenge period. Over 800 people have signed up for the weight-loss and fitness program that began on January 10, 2009. For more information, visit www.FallRiverFitnessChallenge.com.