It takes a grassroots effort to change the health of an entire community, and Aultman is leading the charge.

The “Families Helping Families” program launched in in 2015, the brainchild of Malone University students involved with the Aultman Ambassador program. “The program goal of Families Helping Families is to educate a community of folks and, in return, they reach out to others,” said Aultman Community Wellness Nurse Linda Brunk. “We raise awareness about personal health and wellness by teaching participants about their basic health screening numbers and how to make positive, permanent changes.”

Families Helping Families started with two Louisville-based programs that addressed the relationship between extra body weight and disease risk. The latest Families Helping Families initiative – the eight-week Losin’ It program at the Eric Snow Family YMCA – is aimed at the Canton community. “The new program will provide screenings, education and fitness classes to improve participants’ overall health,” Linda explained. “Participants will be led through exercise routines by a YMCA instructor, with advanced and modified movements to accommodate different fitness levels.”

The Losin’ It program, which will run Oct. 31-December 21 – will start with baseline measurements. “Our Working on Wellness (WOW) nurses will provide pre-screenings for all participants, in addition to an initial weigh-in,” Linda shared. “Participants will be encouraged to attend Health Talks given by Aultman health professionals on behavioral health, nutrition and exercise. Exercise classes will be available each week, and then the program concludes with final screenings and weigh-ins to determine improvement.”

Prizes will be given to the Losin’ It participants who commit to the program and see the most results:

• First place – overall weight percentage and inches lost ... $100 in prizes
• Second place – most inches lost ... $75 in prizes
• Third place – highest participation in exercises classes, Health Talks, screenings, etc. ... $50 in prizes

Class size is limited; spaces will be filled on a first-come, first-first served basis. If you’re interested in learning more or signing up, see the flier.

“We’re asking for a big commitment from participants. It will be important to encourage them along the eight-week journey and equip them with tools they need for long-term success,” Linda shared, “They will be great role models for their inner circle of relatives and friends, along with the community. That’s the point of the Losin’ It program and Families Helping Families – to teach and inspire others.”