CHICAGO, Aug. 27, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nearly one-third of all adults in the U.S. are fully obese, while the other two-thirds are overweight, as reported by the World Health Organization. With nearly 33% of our country's youth overweight or obese, many children now face the threat that they will not survive their parents. Shea Vaughn, wellness and fitness expert and "Chicago's favorite mom," is committed to making the nation's third largest city a leader in combating the national obesity crisis through Healthy Initiative.
Launching in Fall 2012, the Healthy Initiative national campaign will start in Chicago with the goal of transforming the lives of 40 dedicated participants and will ultimately set an example for the families of those involved. Following the success of Vaughn's own, "SheaNetics® inspired "Breakthrough" program—which made its mark on ABC Windy City Live's airwaves—the committed participants will experience her "90-Day Breakthrough." From the program, they will gain the tools and techniques needed to embrace a healthier lifestyle, and will serve as examples for the next generation.
"The obesity numbers in America are out of control, and with Chicago ranking in the top 25 most obese cities in the nation, we wanted to start Healthy Initiative right in the heart of the problem," said Shea Vaughn, Healthy Initiative founder. "It is important that we as adults lead the way for the next generation. We do it every day through SheaNetics® and we are so thankful to bring our life-changing programs to the masses."
In conjunction with SheaNetics®, participants will frequent XSport Fitness facilities in Chicago and work in cooperation with a qualified team of trainers, wellness specialists and medical personnel. Upon completion of the program in February 2013, participants will celebrate their life-changing transformations with a star-studded red carpet gala celebration with the partners of the Healthy Initiative in downtown Chicago.
All proceeds and donations to Healthy Initiative Chicago will go to Vaughn's "Give A Little Does A Lot" that funds education, fitness and nutrition programs for children and schools in Chicago. With current obesity statistics for children in Chicago at alarmingly high rates, Healthy Initiative Chicago is committed to inspiring others to live healthier lifestyles. The goal is to set a positive example for children in Chicago and across the nation.
"We have partnered with an exciting lifestyle brand communication strategy firm, Christopher Foltz & Company, to bring Healthy Initiative's awareness across the nation and right into the schools and homes of families across the country," said Vaughn.
Healthy Initiative Chicago is partnering with organizations, government, doctors and other wellness providers to raise awareness of this epidemic by championing sustainable wellness programs to alter the course of this life threatening trend. Healthy Initiative Chicago has already gained the attention and early support from many public figures and organizations such as; lululemon athletica, ABC Windy City Live, Chicago Bears' Jay Cutler , XSport Fitness, Dave Bolland and Ray Emery of the Chicago Blackhawks, The Otis Wilson Foundation, VALEO Spa, Flexeon Rehabilitation Clinics, Advanced Foot and Ankle, and television lifestyle personalities Jane Monzures and Forbes Riley, NBC Nonstop's Whitney Reynolds, WIND 560 and Man Diet Center Founder Geoff Pinkus, US Wellness, and many health and wellness practitioners, doctors, and lifestyle brands.
"We are so honored to work with Shea, her team, and the partners she has brought in. It is great that we have the opportunity to bring so many great thought leaders and experts to the Healthy Initiative across the nation. I have battled with an unhealthy weight my entire life and nothing is more inspiring to my own goals then being able to help the next generation today," commented Chris Foltz, whose firm, Christopher Foltz & Company, is partnering with Vaughn on the initiative.
Obesity is a national crisis and Healthy Initiative is off to a good start, but we need everyone's help to win the fight. If you would like to participate in the program, want to "give back" and donate to this amazing cause or learn more about partnership with Healthy Initiative, visit www.healthyinitiative.org. Give A Little Does a Lot is an Illinois not-for-profit corporation with its 501(c)(3) application pending.
The Healthy Initiative logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=14350