Westland • Michigan
Compassionate City
PASSPORT
TO A
Healthy City
“
The heart and soul of the program is Buddy Shuh , who was a finalist on the reality TV show The Biggest Loser
“
In 2012 , the city of Westland , Michigan , began issuing passports to a healthy city .
It ’ s actually an ongoing campaign that promotes healthy , active lifestyles for all of Westland ’ s residents .
“ We do this through the development of fun , convenient programs created as a result of strong public and private partnerships between the city of Westland , local businesses and its residents ,” said William R . Wild , mayor of Westland . ” By encouraging our residents to live a healthier lifestyle through education , diet and exercise , the goal of this campaign is to become recognized as one of the healthiest cities in America .”
Traveling throughout Westland and enjoying a healthy meal at one of the many restaurants , visiting the William P . Faust Library , the Westland Friendship Center , playing at the parks , as well as golfing or ice skating are only some of the many activities available in Westland that can lead to a healthier lifestyle . “ We want all residents to fill their passports and show that they have the dedication to take my challenge and become a healthy member of the All American City ,” said Mayor Wild .
One of the most popular programs has been the Buddy Up Program , which has been part of Wild ’ s Passport to a Healthy City since its inception .
Statistics show that 35 percent of Americans or 78 million people in the U . S . are considered obese . Research has shown that “ buddying up ” can be the difference between failure and success with any weight loss plan . Previous Buddy Up programs have included the popular six-week triathlon where participants had six weeks to complete a triathlon ’ s worth of biking , running and swimming . New in 2016 was an optional weight loss challenge where the top three participants with the most weight loss percentages won a prize .
“ The heart and soul of the program is Buddy Shuh , who was a finalist on the reality TV show The Biggest Loser ,” commented Wild . ” The city of Westland has been very fortunate to benefit from his experience and knowledge and his easy going demeanor and quick wit endears him to Buddy Up participants .”
Throughout the program , the city offers health tips , exercise regimens and a healthy nutritional diet plan . Each year , more than 200 people participate in the program and Buddy Uppers have collectively lost more than 1,000 pounds since its inception .
There are also many venues for families to stay active in Westland . The city of Westland is home to the Mike Modano Ice Arena , named after the hometown NHL Hall of Famer , and features several hockey and figure skating opportunities . Westland ’ s highly rated municipal golf course
RIGHT : Young residents who won gift certificates to Leo ’ s Coney Island as part of our Shop and Dine campaign . FAR RIGHT : Our Friendship Center bus , “ The Friendship Express ” that transports our seniors to various day trips and other events .
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Innovative Health - Winter 2017