City asks residents to get moving

Daily Journal Corespondant

The city of San Mateo has a request for residents: move it.

The city is teaming up with Mills-Peninsula Health Services for an encore of its program aimed at motivating residents to get active and use the the county’s many exercise facilities and parks this summer.

Today, Central Park in downtown San Mateo plays host to a kick-off for the second On the Move program, an event that sprung up last year when the Parks and Recreation Department wanted a signature fitness event. Saturday’s activities include information on health issues, fitness demonstrations, health screenings and family entertainment. Mills Hospital will offer free health assessments where people can find out about their current health condition.

"A four-month commitment to the On the Move program would be a great start for anyone just beginning their journey to a healthier lifestyle,” said Janet Hayes, owner of Healthy Inspirations, a center for healthy weight loss. "We are hoping this event will expose the community to all the many ways, places and professionals that are here and available in San Mateo and can assist them on this quest.”

Last year, more than 1,500 San Mateo residents attended the kick-off and over four months logged 7, 658 miles of activity. Based on the 2007 success, the program is back and sponsors are looking for an even better outcome.

"This year we are trying to double the number of participants,” said George Musante, senior supervisor of the San Mateo athletics office.

Each time a participant exercises they will log in to the On the Move Web site and record their activities over the summer. Last year, 251 people logged into the Web site regularly.

"The goal of On the Move is to get people active and aware of a healthy lifestyle,” Musante said."On the Move is an ongoing movement that will continue to have activities all year.”

The kick-off is sponsored by approximately 20 San Mateo businesses wanting to help people learn how to achieve a healthier lifestyle.

"Healthy Inspirations decided to be a sponsor of San Mateo’s On the Move program because we are excited about exposing the community to the many benefits of healthier living,” said Hayes. "There are many alternatives available for San Mateo residents to achieve a goal of a healthier and longer life.”

Most of the businesses will offer free services during the event to educate participants about different kinds of activities.

"As the first time participants, we are very excited about this event,” said Shah Boroumand, owner of Body Balance & Beyond, a physical rehabilitation and wellness center. "We are looking forward to demonstrating some Gyrotonic exercises and letting the visitors know all their benefits. We want the San Mateo community to know that we are here to serve them and assist them with achieving their goals. We believe that a healthy, fit person is more likely to contribute back to the community.”

For more information visit www.mills-peninsula.org/onthemove