(Rome, NY – Feb. 1, 2012) Five local finalists have been chosen from the nominations collected this past winter to compete for the American Heart Association Lifestyle Change Award sponsored by Olivari Mediterranean Olive Oil.
Rhonda Brooker, Tory Hauck, Marybeth McCall, Carrie Mineo, and Jeffrey Moyer now wait to see who will be named the 2012 winner after America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk on Saturday, March 3. This year, the winner will be determined by votes cast on the Olivari Mediterranean Facebook page at www.facebook.com/olivarimediterranean. Voting opens today.
This is the second year of the American Heart Association Lifestyle Change Award. The finalists have all made positive changes in an effort to lead healthier lifestyles. Votes can be submitted by online users starting today, February 1, through Friday, March 2. One vote per person. Voters are encouraged to share the link with online friends. The announcement of the winner takes place at the post-event ceremony of America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk on Saturday, March 3, 2012 in the Harold T. Clark Athletic Center at Utica College.
“The creation of this award last year sparked some new excitement with the event,” said Dick Mattia, executive director of the American Heart Association. “After some thought, Olivari Mediterranean Olive Oil and our organization decided to let the community vote online on the winner this year, allowing more people to be involved in the decision and allowing more honorees to be recognized. Despite the final outcome of the contest on March 3, know that all our finalists have made positive changes to improve their health and prevent any future heart-related issues. They are all winners!”
Fans are encouraged to vote for the finalist who they felt made the most significant strides in living a healthier life. A photo and brief account of their story is posted online on the voting page.
Rhonda Brooker of West Winfield suffered from a heart attack a few years ago. She decided to start walking daily and now eats healthier. As a survivor, she is determined to live in such a way where she can prevent any future heart-related problems.
After losing her husband to a heart attack last year, Tory Hauck of Utica decided to change her lifestyle. She began going to the gym each day and altered her eating habits. She lost 60 pound and has reduced her risk factor for high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. Tory is also a 15-year cancer survivor.
After accepting the role of the Go Red for Women chair in Syracuse, Dr. Marybeth McCall of Utica realized that she had to set a good example for others – especially since she is a physician. She undertook a diet and exercise program and lost more than 50 pounds. She was able to bring her BMI to a normal range and her glucose to regular levels.
Through excessive eating and little exercise, Carrie Mineo of Whitesboro became overweight. She finally decided to make a change and in the summer of 2009, Carrie joined Weight Watchers, started walking regularly, and began eating healthier. She eventually graduated to running and now participates in many local running events. Carrie has lost more than 100 pounds.
At 320 pounds, Jeffrey Moyer of Hamilton bought an elliptical machine and began working out daily. Over the course of a year and a half, he managed to lose almost 100 pounds. Jeff got serious about running and now competes often. He is currently training for his first marathon in Buffalo this May.
Olivari Mediterranean Olive Oil is bottled locally in the Griffiss Business and Technology Park in Rome. Olivari emphasizes the Mediterranean way of life. Exercising regularly, enjoying fresh meals with close family and friends, and maintaining a balanced diet are just some ways to live out the healthy Mediterranean lifestyle.
For more information, visit olivarimediterranean.com.
