Published: October 01, 2008 09:09 pm      

Fit and Healthy Expo to get Edmond in shape

EDMOND — In a time of economic crisis, the Fit and Healthy Expo is a great cheap way to learn how to feel better, think better and ultimately do better things, said Sharyl Brimacombe, Women of Wellness director.

“It’s positive for our community, especially right now,” she said. “Oklahoma is the No. 8 fattest state in the United States.”

Women of Wellness, an organization focused on proactive steps to achieve a healthier, happier and more balanced life, will host the expo from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 4 at the Transformation Wellness Center, 14701 N. Kelly.

More than 50 businesses that promote health and wellness and environmentally friendly products will be represented through speakers, demonstrations and informational booths. Speakers include Robin Marsh with News 9, Mayor Dan O’Neil and Amy and Marty Wolff, winners from NBC’s “The Biggest Losers.” Brimacombe said there also will be karate and zumba demonstrations.

“The purpose of this is to be proactive but also to benefit medically fragile children through Manna Relief here in Edmond,” Brimacombe said. “This is a community mission in so many ways.”

The cost of the event is $5. However, admission is free for teachers with an ID and children 6-years-old and younger. Brimacombe said the proceeds of the event will benefit Manna Relief, which provides orphans and children across the world with nutritional products designed to improve the quality of life and health, and Ministries of Jesus, which provides medical care to Edmond families in need. Brimacombe’s goal is to raise $10,000 and the event is planned for 5,000 people.

Leslie Tefteller, emcee for the event and co-owner of Practical Marketing Solutions, said the expo will feature something for all ages, including face painting, a rock wall and informational booths set up by restaurants, fitness-related businesses and businesses that focus on being environmentally friendly.

“It’s important for Edmond to get behind this,” she said. “It’s important for our kids. There are so many kids that are overweight these days. Whatever they are taught at an early age becomes part of their lifestyle.”

Tefteller said with the current economy, families can’t eat out five or six times a week like they used to. She said the expo will give families a chance to sample healthier food items from various restaurants.

“With what little time and money you have, you have to make a good choice,” she said. “Each of us are faced with the same choices to do the right thing. It really is for the betterment of everyone.”



FOR MORE information, visit www.fitandhealthyexpo.com.