Elementary School Principals are Invited to Compete Against Fellow Principles to Improve their Heart Health

MURRAY – Elementary school principals from around the valley are invited to apply to participate in the 2013 My Heart Challenge, sponsored by the Intermountain Heart Institute at Intermountain Medical Center.

The goal of the program is to help participants become healthier through lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. One principal from each Salt Lake County city will be chosen to participate in the 14-week program, which includes baseline testing and access to nutrition and exercise experts.

Last year’s inaugural challenge featured eight mayors, two city councilmen, a city attorney and a city manager from around the valley. These 12 individuals achieved some amazing results, including collectively losing 179 pounds, reducing cholesterol an average of 14 points, and decreasing the average waist circumference by 2.6 inches.

“This has been a life-altering experience for me,” said City Attorney Craig Hall, winner of the 2012 My Heart Challenge. “It’s made an incredible experience for me and has helped me change my lifestyle and the choices that I now make. It has been very rewarding, and the good news is that Midvale is going to start an employee fitness and wellness program.”

Principals must apply at www.myheartchallenge.com by January 3, 2013. The challenge officially kicks off on February 7 and concludes May 17.

Heart disease remains one of the leading the leading killers of Americans, and many of the risk factors associated with heart disease can be reduced through simple lifestyle changes. That’s why experts at Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute developed the My Heart Challenge.