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PROVO — When it comes to competitions, you don't often get a second chance. But that's exactly what a group of 21 Utah County residents have received.
They've signed up, along with their partners, for the "Alumni" edition of Utah Valley Hospital's 100-Day Heart Challenge.
Ten years ago, Utah Valley Hospital began the 100-Day Heart Challenge as a way to bring more awareness to heart disease, which is the No. 1 killer of women.
Every year women in Utah County can apply for the program. This is the first time the hospital chose participants who had completed the challenge before.
Lisa Christen lost just 16 pounds four years ago, but then went on to lose 175 pounds after the challenge. She's signed up again in hopes of helping her friend.
"I really honestly wanted to do it for Mindi (Nicolson). She was my inspiration before, and I want to inspire her because after we did the program her mom got sick and she took care of her mom until (her mom) died. It just sent her back into a bad place," said Christen.
Life events often trigger old and unhealthy habits. That's why John and Karla Baer have signed up again.
"We had really good success the first time, so much that my body — I have polycystic ovarian syndrome — and my body started functioning correctly and I was able to get pregnant," said Karla Baer.
Then taking the weight off after having the baby proved difficult.
The Baer's say they don't like the way they feel now. They want to increase their physical activity but needed this program to jump start them in the right direction.
To measure progress, each participant's heart disease risk factors are tested at the beginning and the end of the 100 days.
Each partnership is also given a trainer who develops tailored workouts.
"It is so exciting to watch the changes in people's lives. Whether they feel like they are completely successful or not, there's still a seed that's planted to make the changes," said Traci Heiner, Utah Valley's Cardiac Rehab supervisor.
This challenge will end in December. Utah Valley Hospital will then invite the participants to work as mentors in next spring's challenge. Erin Goff is a special projects producer who heads up the Your Life Your Health, Zero Fatalities and High 5 initiatives. For questions, feedback or possible story ideas, please email egoff@ksl.com
