In celebration of Discover Your Optimal Health Day, on Sept. 12, three thousand Take Shape for Life health coaches across America will be hosting Healthy Happy Hours between 7 and 9 p.m. Among those will be Mechele McGready and Theresa and Charles Trella. They’ll be at Munger Cottage on the Town Hall property.
In an interview, McGready explained Take Shape for Life was founded after Sept. 11. One of the co-founders, Dr. Wayne Scott Andersen, was one of the first 10 board certified critical care surgeons in America before leaving his practice. Joining with Medifast, which helps people lose weight, Andersen started Take Shape for Life. In conjunction with the recent release of his book, “Discover Your Optimal Healthy” Andersen declared Sept. 12 as Discover Your Optimal Health Day.
There is no charge to participate in the Healthy Happy Hour, which is open to anyone of all ages. The only requirement is participants RSVP by e-mailing McGready at mechelemcgready@hvc.rr.com or calling her at 845-667-1772.
The happy hour entails, “a gathering of people united in the idea that we’re trying to pursue health and make that a priority in our lives,” said Theresa.
Stacey Hawkins, of Time Savor Solutions, will be demonstrating easy ways to cook healthy, delicious meals. Cornwall Farmers’ Market vendors will be on hand to talk about eating local foods. Senior citizens will conduct a line dancing demonstration.
“We’re trying to create in our community, in our region, in our state, and country, this ripple effect of wellness and seeking your optimal health,” McGready said. “Our role as coaches is to try to guide clients to achieve a healthy body, healthy mind, and healthy finances. Myself and fellow coaches were clients first. We’ve lost weight and now we’re paying it forward.”
McGready has been a fitness trainer since 1983. She is certified in personal training with the National Academy of Sports Medicine.
Theresa and Charles Trella also became Take Shape for Life clients after they saw pictures, celebrating their 50th birthdays and 25th wedding anniversary, and not liking what they saw. Theresa’s cousin had success with the program and opted to give it a try. The couple was blown away by how quickly they lost weight. When asked to become health coaches, they agreed. Both went through the certification process at Villanova University.
