For Immediate Release | Official Press Release

PRESS RELEASE

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

36601 Ford Road | Westland, Michigan | 48185

Office 734.467.3200 | Fax 724.721.2310

WWW.CITYOFWESTLAND.COM

Mayor Invites Residents to Kick Off a Healthier Lifestyle

Westland, MI - Westland Mayor William R. Wild and Allen "Buddy" Shuh welcome nearly 400 participants to Buddy Up 2.0.

The kick-off will be held at the Westland Friendship Center, located at 1119 Newburgh Road, at 8 a.m. on Saturday, January 11, 2014. The program will run every Saturday for seven weeks. Participants should plan to arrive each Saturday at 8:00 a.m. for weigh-in, followed by a fitness and wellness session from 8:50 a.m. -10:00 a.m.

Buddy Shuh is a Wayne native and a contestant from season 13 of NBC's "Biggest Loser," and is once again giving the gift of health to his community. Residents of Wayne and Westland are invited to join Buddy for "Buddy Up 2.0", a free seven-week program that begins in January and blends nutrition and wellness education with physical activity and exercise.

"When I launched the Passport to a Healthy City campaign my goal was to inspire and encourage Westland residents to work towards a healthier lifestyle through education, diet and exercise. We are lucky to have Buddy Shuh as a role model in the campaign, leading our citizens by example," said Mayor Wild.

Obesity is the leading preventable cause of death worldwide and is one of the most serious health problems of the 21st century. Statistics show that 30% of Michigan's population is overweight which equates to 25 thousand Westland Residents. These statistics are just as staggering for children in the United States, with 30% being overweight, 18% of which are considered obese. Left unchecked, health care costs related to obesity will account for 16% of healthcare-related expenses in 2030.

The last session will take place on March 8, 2014 and will see participants choosing between a 5k run/walk or a Mayor's Mile for their final challenge.

This is the second installation of the Buddy Up program, and program directors are expecting a huge turnout. Last year brought in over 350 registrants and this years registration numbers have beaten last year's.

"Buddy has shown how hard work and dedication to a healthier lifestyle can change your life for the better and he is paying that message of wellness forward."

For more information, contact Aubrey Berman, Administrative Secretary, at (734) 467-3200.

The City of Westland is the 10th largest city in Michigan with a population of over 84,000. The city's residential development is an excellent blend of single family homes, apartments and condominiums. The broad selection of housing opportunities is complimented by over 1500 acres of well-maintained parks and nature trails as well as a highly rated municipal golf course. Also available is a skate park, ice arena, a state-of-the-art Library and novel city park themes that are fun and family-friendly.

Westland has the location, land, infrastructure, and leadership, under Mayor William R. Wild to attract new industry and help existing businesses redevelop properties and to maintain competitiveness in today's global economy. Six modern platted industrial parks on 320 acres are served by class "A" internal roads, with up to date utilities and rail access available within two of the parks. Westland is conveniently located within the center of southeastern Michigan's expressway system, minutes north of Detroit Metropolitan Airport, and ideally located between downtown Detroit and Ann Arbor.

Westland is the area's premier "Shopping and Dining Destination". Westland Shopping center, one of the country's original four regional malls, boasts 80 retail stores and has anchored Westland's commercial district for more than 30 years. Westland's diversity and progressive planning offers residents a wide variety of life experiences, and make Westland truly the "All American City".