Media Release

​This press release published at the request of the Florida Department of Health in Alachua County.

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Florida Department of Health in Alachua County (FDOH Alachua) is partnering with North Carolina State University to offer the third annual “Maintain, Don’t Gain! Holiday Challenge.” This free seven-week challenge runs from November 14, through December 31, 2016. The challenge provides participants with tips, tricks, and ideas to help maintain their weight throughout the holiday season.

“Health is a year-round commitment,” stated FDOH-Alachua Administrator Paul Myers. “The Holiday Challenge makes it easy to maintain healthy habits through the holiday season.”

Many Americans gain between one and five pounds each holiday season. Last year, more than 1,600 Floridians participated in the Maintain, Don’t Gain! Holiday Challenge, the second most participants of all 50 states, and received helpful advice on enjoying the holidays in a more healthy way. Participants in last year’s challenge experienced beneficial results. Sixty-seven percent reported they maintained their weight, 18 percent lost three to five pounds, and 98 percent said they would continue to use the strategies learned during the challenge.

The 2016 Holiday Challenge includes

• Seven weekly newsletters delivered to your inbox
• Tips to host a healthier Thanksgiving, manage holiday stress and survive a holiday party
• Weekly challenges, winners, and prizes
• Support through social media
• Healthy holiday recipes
• Motivation and support from other participants

View the Maintain, Don’t Gain! website.

For more information, contact FDOH Alachua Heathiest Weight Initiative Program Manager Kourtney Oliver at 352-334-8889 or kourtney.oliver@flhealth.gov.