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Big Changes
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Channel 4 "A free program offers some a chance at reaching their 2014 fitness goals"
Channel 4 "Program Provides Free Help for Severely Obese"
Channel 41 "Big Changes Weight Loss Program Maxed Out"
SW Boulevard Family Health Care’s Fit-For-Life program has expanded from a simple support group to a full service gym with personal trainers and multiple classes to meet a variety of exercise and support needs.
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Our project for seriously overweight adults, Big Changes, is for people with extreme weight problems who are willing to commit to a long-term plan for healthy weight loss through exercise and diet. This concept is spear-headed by the Founder and Director of the Fit-for-Life program, Priscilla Allen. She has worked tirelessly to provide opportunities for people who are serious about helping themselves slim down.
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Big Changes is a special program for people with BMI's of >39 (usually over 300 pounds) and who are willing to make a commitment to changing their lives.
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We have real answers for those who have serious
weight issues. Family Health Care's staff helps people move from a size 32 to a 16.
* Using tools and motivation brought together by personal trainer Pris; Family Health Care helps people
change their lives.
KANSAS CITY, Kan. - Priscilla Allen hit bottom in January, 2003. She moved in with her parents after giving up on an 11-year relationship. She had been trying to eat her way out of her depression, and at 5 feet 6 inches tall, she topped the scales at 212 pounds. She watched as family members she loved succumbed to secondary effects of obesity; diabetes and heart disease. Then, she decided to make some big changes. With the support of Family Health Care staff, she began by paying more attention to her diet. She dropped over 80 pounds and 43 inches in a little more than a year and has kept it off for nine years. Now she’s a personal at Southwest Boulevard Family Health Care, overseeing the Big Changes program. Her number one word to motivate clients is consistency. “In the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word consistent is defined as continuing to happen or develop in the same way,” explained Allen. “Even if the scales are not moving, your body and mind are still growing in the right direction because of the consistency in exercise. Our bodies start to decay when we stop moving and/or working.” She said that consistency is in exercise, nutrition and everyday function. “Keeping a diet of healthier choices will keep our weight at a normal level,” she said. “If we continue to eat junk, then it will consistently increase our weight. I’m not talking rocket science here, but basic knowledge.” The Big Changes program at Southwest Boulevard Family Fitness Center has five slots for people who need to lose in excess of 100 pounds. To find out more about the Big Changes program, visit Southwest Boulevard Family Care website, http://www.swbfhc.org / or call 813-722-3100. Read more:  |
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Channel 4
Southwest Boulevard Family Fitness Center, a free program is helping obese people turn their lives around one small step at a time. Just 18 months ago, James Williams never thought he would be training for his second 5k. But, thanks to the Big Changes Program, Williams has lost 65 pounds, is off his diabetes medication and has cut his blood pressure medications in half. "Being obese or morbidly obese you are worried about coming in and seeing all the pretty people and here you don't. Everyone here looks just like you," said Williams, a Big Changes Graduate. In this program there is no surgery, no pills, just hard work and dedication. "I’m a lot more physically fit than I've been in years," said Doug Lillich, who has lost 25 pounds. Many of the Big Changes biggest success stories credit fitness director, Priscilla Allen. Ten years ago, she lost 80 pounds. She founded the Big Changes program to help others do the same. “It’s been an amazing journey not just for myself but watching all these people succeed," said Allen. Eligibility for Big Changes free program is simple, you just have to have a BMI, or Body Mass Index, of more than 40 and a doctor’s release, but Allen warns that the program is not easy. "It’s a lot of work. This is not a magic bullet," said Allen. During Sunday morning’s newscast, when the program was announced, the phones lit up. There were about 60 calls for the 24 available spots. But Allen said she knows from experience, that only a handful of these callers will show up, make friends, and put in the time and work it takes to create lifelong change. "It is so important to have someone to work out with that really helps motivate you," said Jon Kelley, who just started the program. If you are interested in getting on the waiting list for the Big Changes program, call Southwest Boulevard Family Fitness Center at (913) 384-2988 or visit their Facebook Class is limited to 32 individuals at a time. Graduates may qualify
for maintenance sessions.
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By: Cynthia Newsome|
Contact Us: 913-722-3100
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