DETROIT - More than 100 Health Alliance Plan HAP) 5K Challenge participants completed the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan's (NKFM) Trick or Feet! 5K/10K Run, Walk & Roll in Northville, Mich. on Oct 4. The event was the fifth 5K in which HAP 5K Challenge runners participated, marking more than 500 trained since the 5K Challenge program's inception in 2013.
HAP 5K Challenge participants are individuals who have started from little or no exercise to running a three mile race in just nine weeks. The challenge utilizes a training plan that requires 30 minutes per day, three days per week. HAP provides additional support through bi-weekly group training to keep participants on track as well as an online training tool to interact with coaches and other runners between meet-ups.
"HAP's 5K Challenge is a HAP member program to encourage, guide and support individuals who want to improve their level of fitness but don't know how to get started," said Tom Spring, director of wellness and community outreach for HAP. "It's a program that addresses a timely issue. According to Michigan's Department of Health and Human Services, chronic diseases consume more than 75 cents of every dollar spent on health care, and nine out of the top 10 causes of death can be linked to chronic diseases and injuries. A more active lifestyle can help take a bite out of that statistic.
"Participating in the 5K Challenge can also help kick start long-term healthy habits. Carol Arsenault of Centerline, Mich. is a HAP member who signed up for the 5K Challenge in March 2013,and hasn't stopped exercising since.
"By the end of 2013, I lost over 40 pounds, lowered my cholesterol and ran my first 5K," said Arsenault. "I have (since) completed a two-mile race, 15 5Ks, a five-mile race and a 10K. I am currently in training for my first half marathon. In addition to helping me maintain my weight, running helps me maintain my sanity. It relieves my stress and lifts my mood."
Exercise can be a powerful tool for kidney disease prevention. In fact, diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of chronic kidney disease - both of which can be prevented or managed in part by exercise.
To date, the 2015 Trick or Feet! event raised more than $22,000 to support NKFM's programs and services. HAP was a presenting sponsor in 2015.
Media contacts:
Lee Ann Welsh
Public Relations Manager
(248) 443-2082
lwelsh@hap.org
Ebony Dooley
Sr. Public Relations Specialist
(248) 443-7847
edooley@hap.org
Categories: Community events