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Inspired by the importance and impact physical fitness has had on their own lives, Des Plaines Mayor Tony Arredia and 5th Ward Alderman Carla Brookman have launched Des Plaines Pounds Down, a program focusing on improving the overall health of the entire community. According to the program’s founders, "Des Plaines Pounds Down is not just about weight loss, but about wellness and fitness. It is a process and a way of life that we hope our community will embrace." Arredia and Brookman explain that Des Plaines Pounds Down involves residents making the choice to take care of themselves through physical exercise, nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle. While a great portion of the program involves information and resources available through the City’s website, Des Plaines Pounds Down is quickly becoming an all encompassing community program involving health incentives offered through medical, physical fitness and health related institutions.
Already since the program’s kickoff at the Des Plaines Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s Health, Home & Consumer Expo and, specifically, Holy Family Medical Center’s booth at the Taste of Des Plaines, several institutions have come "on board" offering free or discounted exercise programs, cost savings on weight loss incentives and various forms of physical exercise. The Des Plaines Pounds Down Program provides the incentive, but it is up to individuals to seize opportunities and programs that will help them become more physically fit and, ultimately, more healthy. Individuals get started by registering for Des Plaines Pounds Down. A completed registration form entitles individuals to be eligible for several raffle drawings that are announced at the Des Plaines City Council Meetings on the first and third Mondays of the month at Des Plaines City Hall, 1420 Miner Street. The raffle drawing is broadcast live on the City’s Cable Channel 17 as part of the City Council Meeting broadcast. Prizes include a variety of "fitness/health related" venues and other items, as well. Some prizes generously donated include rounds of golf at the Des Plaines Park District facilities, passes to the Des Plaines Park District’s Mystic Waters, monthly memberships at the Lattof YMCA and cash prizes. In addition, when individuals register they receive a Des Plaines Pounds Down Weight Blood Pressure Activity Log card that works on an "honor" system encouraging residents to record these measurements. Activity Log Card is for individual use only and no records are kept by any participating agency. Individuals may visit the following locations to register. Click here to view the participating locations. In addition, registration will also be taken 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, weekdays, in the Mayor’s Office, 1420 Miner Street. Those individuals who choose to download the registration form from the City’s website may turn in the form to any of the above locations to qualify for a raffle prize. "Our focus is on participation in the Des Plaines Pounds Down Program- not based on weight loss or any type of competition. Of course, it is important that before embarking on any health or exercise program, individuals consult their physicians," Brookman emphasized. In addition to the agencies previously mentioned, many local businesses are coming forward to participate in Des Plaines Pounds Down. Play Ball USA, 208 Graceland Avenue, an indoor baseball and softball training facility, is one of these businesses. They will be opening their exercise room free of charge to participants of the program. Call 847-375-0840 to check hours of operation.
Sponsorship donations continue to come in and currently include the O’Hare Auto Group, Des Plaines Material & Landscape Supply and Dr. Janet Horton, to mention just a few. Eventually it is hoped that various walking routes, designated with the Des Plaines Pounds Down logo, will be identified throughout Des Plaines. A brochure entitled One Lap of Des Plaines, compiled by Dr. Michael Bagby, which highlights local walking/bike routes, was distributed at the program kickoff to encourage residents to exercise as part of Des Plaines Pounds Down. Copies are available at Des Plaines Chiropractic, 444 Lee Street, Des Plaines. Chiro One, a new chiropractic office in Metropolitan Square, is offering free programs including a 40 day makeover, walking club, health workshops, and a complete wellness evaluation. Horton Wellness and Chiropractic will measure your height, weight and blood pressure; as well as calculate your body fat and BMI all at no cost to you. According to Mayor Arredia and Alderman Brookman inspiration for the City-wide program was born out of their own experiences. Both the Mayor and Alderman, concerned about their overall health, were guided by health related professionals who suggested changes in their lifestyles. As a result, they made these changes and both continue to recognize the importance of healthy exercise, nutrition and fitness to their overall lives. Looking to share this concept with to the entire community, Alderman Brookman came across a program called "This City is Going On A Diet" from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma spearheaded by Mayor Mick Corneti. According to Brookman, it served as one of the seeds for the Des Plaines Program: "This is an organized effort that encourages and supports people reaching their own fitness goals. The program will focus on improving the quality of life through good health and fitness." "We’re dedicated to Des Plaines Pounds Down and we hope the entire community sees the value and impact of a healthy lifestyle on their overall well-being. This is about you and me and fitness as a way of life," Mayor Arredia concluded. Look to this page as Des Plaines Pounds Down develops and for additional information on the agencies mentioned in this article and the programs they propose as part of Des Plaines Pounds Down. Sincerely,
Living In Des
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Panel
discussions involving health care professionals are being planned
and will be announced as they are organized. The Des Plaines Public
Library has offered to host a display in July on the overall
Pounds Down Program and plans are underway to carry health
related programming on the City’s Cable Channel 17. 
