Jamaicans gearing up to ‘work it out’ with the NHF

An estimated 1,500 individuals - 300 teams of five persons each - from organisations and communities across the island are expected to participate in the National Health Fund's Work-It-Out Challenge 2018.

Now in its ninth year, the challenge is a weight loss and fitness competition organised by the National Health Fund (NHF) and is aligned with the Ministry of Health's healthy lifestyle progamme, Jamaica Moves, which is aimed at tackling the risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

The NHF's Work-It-Out Challenge is geared at encouraging persons to achieve a healthier mind and body by boosting physical activity and maintaining a proper diet, aimed at reducing the likelihood of NCDs. Persons living with chronic illnesses are also encouraged and empowered on ways to better manage and take care of their conditions.

chief executive officer of the National Health (NHF), Everton Anderson, said the number of Jamaicans who enter the challenge each year has been increasing steadily and the NHF is building on this momentum.

"It is a very encouraging sign for us to see Jamaicans making a conscious decision to become healthier and fitter, especially as we work to ensure everyone has greater access to better health care services. We are pleased to see that some persons are, indeed, taking responsibility for their health and I encourage others to do the same," he said.

To qualify for entry in the competition, interested persons should form groups of five with individuals from their work place, community, or friends and family. All participants must be 18 or over; should not be pregnant or breastfeeding and have a BMI of 28 and over.

In keeping with the NHF's 15th anniversary celebration, the winning team for this year's competition will walk away with a special donation valued $50,000 for a charity of their choice. Prizes and giveaways for this year's staging will total $2 million.

The deadline for all teams to sign up for the Work-It-Out Challenge 2018-2019 is Tuesday, September 4.

To register, persons may visit the NHF's website at www.nhf.org.jm or fax completed entry forms to (876) 906-1105.