One year after officially launching last spring, more than 1,500 residents in the Powell River region have completed the Powell River Wellness Challenge.
To further engage the community, a speaker's forum will be held from 6-8:30 pm at Max Cameron Theatre on Thursday, June 8. The forum features local and visiting speakers, including Powell River Kings head coach Kent Lewis, bestselling author Cea Person, registered holistic nutritionist Emma Levez Larocque, educator Frank Radcliffe, counsellor Kathseva and iWellness advisor Christine Lippa.
“The wellness challenge is about positive lifestyle change,” says project coordinator Kerri Carlson. “We hope to inspire as many people as possible to take one step toward improving overall health.”
The wellness challenge consists of two screenings per year, carried out six to eight months apart, where four parameters of health (blood pressure, heart rate, flexibility and balance) are measured. The goal of the project is to encourage residents to improve their overall state of wellness. Screenings are available from 6-6:30 pm before the speaker’s forum and the challenge is endorsed by City of Powell River, Powell River Regional District, Vancouver Coastal Health, Tla’amin Nation, Powell River Division of Family Practice and School District 47.
“With more than 1,500 people already participating, the challenge is a success and serves as a model for other communities,” says City of Powell River mayor Dave Formosa.
New this spring is the addition of a wellness pledge. Participants are provided with a pledge sheet or can record their pledges online at prwellnessproject.com.
Residents can also take or repeat their wellness challenge before June 15 at Powell River Recreation Complex on Mondays between 5-5:30 pm, Marine Chiropractic and Wellness on Fridays from 12-1 pm or Safeway Pharmacy on Saturdays between 10-11 am.
“It takes three minutes to complete,” says Carlson. “The challenge is simple and it only matters that you start thinking about your health, what that means to you and any action you can take to improve.”
Powell River Wellness Challenge Speaker's Forum
When: 6-8:30 pm, Thursday, June 8
Where: Max Cameron Theatre
Price: Free with $10 suggested donation
Info: prwellnessproject.com
