Journey to a Healthier You

Journey to a Healthier You is a free, 12-week program to help people of Waldo County lose weight gradually and keep it off. Coordinated by Hester Kohl (Health Educator) and Mirja Pitkin (Personal Trainer), the program uses elements from the “Integrative Weight Loss” session at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health in Massachusetts. Our goal is to provide the education and group support necessary to start a long-term weight-loss journey and lifestyle change. Applicants must have a Body Mass Index (BMI)* over 35 and obtain prior approval from a doctor before participating. This program is for people who can commit to attending 12 weekly group meetings and making significant changes in their lifestyles including food choices and exercise habits.

In 12 weekly group meetings, you will:

• Practice low-impact exercises, stretches, and strength training with personal trainer Mirja Pitkin at each class.
• Learn about choosing and preparing healthier foods through activities on meal planning, creating shopping lists, cooking together and enjoying healthy dinners.
• Hear from speakers on Nutrition, Sleep, Emotional Eating, Mindful Eating, and other topics.
• Participate in activities and/or discussions about creating your own personal wellness plan.
• Talk with other group members in a supportive environment focused on long-term health.

Outside of weekly meetings, you will:

• Exercise on your own during the week (at least 10 minutes per day to start).
• Keep track of your food intake and exercise on a daily log.
• Connect with your assigned “buddy” by phone/email twice each week between classes.

Qualifications needed:

• A BMI of 35 or higher
• Be highly motivated and willing to change your exercise and eating habits
• Attend all 12 group meetings.
• Obtain your doctor’s prior approval before participating and have your doctor complete the referral form.

If you don’t qualify for our program, or want to start before our next program begins, click here for a list of additional weight loss resources near Belfast.

Fall 2013 session: Mondays in Belfast, 5:00-7:00pm, September 23-December 9, 2013

Application Process:

When is the Deadline to apply? Aug 16

I submitted an interest form.  When will I be contacted?  In Late August we will call you for a phone interview.

I submitted an interest form.  When will I know if I am accepted? After interviews in Late August, our staff will select the group and notify everyone in Early September.

If I am accepted, what else will I need to do?  Accepted applicants will need to get a doctor’s approval and have your form back by mid-September.  We can fax the form to your doctor and in most cases the doctor can sign the form and fax it back.  If it has been a long time since you’ve seen your doctor, he/she may want to see you before approving your participation.

Space is limited. If you wish to apply, please complete the interest form below no later than the application deadline listed above.

Once received, we will contact you to review the program and determine if you qualify. If you do not currently have a doctor, we can arrange for a pre-screening visit with a provider at WCGH.

* BMI (body mass index) is a height-to-weight ratio. Because program participants must have a BMI over 35, we encourage you to use the calculator below to determine your BMI for the program application. Click here to learn more about BMI for adults.

Please note this program is limited to 14 participants. After your interest form is received,  we will review your application and if you qualify we will call you in late August to do a phone interview.  Participants will be notified in early September of their acceptance.