Live Better, the Archbold Medical Center-led collaborative of key community leaders focused on improving the health of the citizens of Thomas County, is hosting the third annual Live Better Heart and Sole fun run – a one-mile fun run for K-5 school children.
Held in conjunction with Heart month, the run is intended to raise awareness of the connections between obesity and heart disease, while promoting living a heart-healthy lifestyle through physical fitness and healthy eating.
Nearly 70% of American adults are either overweight or obese, and about one in three children in the United States are considered overweight or obese.
Childhood obesity can cause a broad range of health problems in adulthood, and obese children are much more likely to become obese adults. Being obese puts you at a higher risk for health problems, including heart disease.
“Our main goal for this run is to encourage children to be active and establish healthy habits,” said Todd Bennett, Archbold Clinical Outreach Manager.
“The Live Better focus has become a great influence and important part of our school health curriculum,” said Lisa Williams, Thomas County Schools Superintendent and Live Better Board Member.
“It’s important to teach children early on about the importance of establishing heart healthy habits,” said Ben Wiggins,” Thomasville City Schools Superintendent and Live Better Board Member.
The free run will take place on Saturday, February 22nd, at 9:00am, and will begin and end at the Thomasville Amphitheatre.
All pre-registered race participants will receive a race t-shirt after they cross the finish line. Awards will be handed out to the top five finishers in each grade level, and a prize will be awarded to the top overall male and female finisher.
To register, please visit www.archbold.org/heartandsole.