Get Active/Stay Active Howard County
Most Frequently Asked Questions
What is Get Active Howard County (GAHC)?
GAHC is a 10-week fitness program with a goal to foster an even greater focus on physical activity and well-being. We want Howard County to be listed as the “fittest county” in the country with all Howard Countians participating. All participants are asked to complete at least 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week.
Who are the partners for this event?
The Columbia Association in partnership with Howard County Recreation and Parks, the American Cancer Society, Howard County General Hospital, Howard County Health Department, the Nutrition and Physical Activity Coalition, the Villages of Columbia, Howard County Office on Aging, the American Diabetes Association, Howard County Libraries and We Promote Health are sponsoring this program.
Who is invited to participate in this program?
Anyone of any age who lives, works or worships in Howard County is invited to participate.
What benefit is the program to the participants ?
Perhaps the most important benefit of the program is to increase awareness of healthy lifestyle habits and to motivate participants to include at least 30 minutes of moderate activity at least 5 days per week.
The detrimental effects of obesity are well documented. It is a leading cause of preventable death and can result in quality of life issues. The program helps to address this by providing a forum and focal point for community awareness and a launching pad for an active lifestyle.
Regular physical activity will improve the participant’s performance at home and at work and will boost morale and self esteem.
Participants in the program will reduce their risk for the major killers in America: heart disease, cancer and diabetes.
Participants can also anticipate that with an increase in physical activity they will be able to manage stress better, sleep better and feel better.
What are the mechanics of the program?
For your convenience, participants can enroll in the program online at: www.getactivehowardcounty.org.
A participant may also register at any of the Howard County Library branches as well as Howard County General Hospital Wellness Center and Columbia Association fitness facilities and Headquarters. These locations constitute points of contact (POC) for the program. Program materials are also available at each of the Villages of Columbia offices. Call 410-715-5523 for the Community registration sites and dates.
Each participant will receive a log sheet. You use the log sheet to track your daily minutes of physical activity. Each week, you log onto www.getactivehowardcounty.org to record your weekly totals. If you do not have a computer, you are asked to mail or fax your completed log to at the end of the program: Carol Wasser at the Columbia Association. 10221 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, MD 21044. Fax number (410) 715-3043.
You may choose to do your own activity, but you may also participate in free activities that will take place at listed sites. Refer to the Fitness Calendar. This is given out at the time of registration and is also available on line. Check the web site for updates to the fitness calendar. Some activities require registration.
The Kick-off will take place at the Supreme Sports Club on Saturday, March 27, 2010 from 12-4 p.m. with demonstrations, FREE roller skating (skate rental is extra), Free Zumba Class, health information, activities for children and more. A final celebration will take place at the Healthy Howard Day on June 6th.. All dates will be listed on the GAHC fitness calendar.
With your help, this annual event will grow bigger and better each year.
How do I set up a team, register as a participant and record minutes on line?
Go to www.getactivehowardcounty.org .
First make sure your team isn’t listed. If it is: contact your school, workplace or community group administrator to get a code to sign up for their team. If your team is not listed: submit the form provided under Start a Team.
School Teams can only be created by a teacher or a school administrator. IF you are a student and want to start a team, please contact your teacher or principal to have them create the team. We will contact you.
Workplace/Community Teams/Family Teams: By signing up a team you are agreeing to either be the Team Captain or having the authoirty to assign and support a Team Captain and this effort. We will contact you via email with a team code that you can distribute to your team members.
Don’t have a Team? Join the “HealthNutsm”. Go directly to sign up and enter StayActiveTeam as your team code.
Within 48 hours of starting a team, you will receive an email from us, with a unique team code that will allow each team captain to recruit members. You will also be receiving materials to help you explain the program to prospective team members, and to start motivating your team. We will support you as a team captain, with motivational material.. You will also have access to activities on the Stay Active Howard County Calendar year round to help you keep your team engaged and active. Get Started and Register Your Team TODAY!!
Register as a Participant
Students:
Check the list of schools on the registration page to see if your school is participating. If your school is not listed, see your teacher or administrator for a team code. After you have a team code, you can register as a new member.
Employees:
Check the list of businesses on the sign up page to see if your business is participating. If your business is not listed, see your employer or administrator for a team code. After you have a team code, you can register as a new member.
Community Members:
Check the list of organizations on the sign up page to see if your organization is participating. If your organization is not listed, see your administrator for a team code. After you have a team code, you can register as a new member.
Once you have a Team Code: Click on Sign Up and complete the form. When finished, you will be prompted to determine your Weekly Activity Goal. This is a personal attainable goal. …………..
Logging in Your Minutes:
Record your daily minutes of physical activity. If you can’t go in on a daily basis, keep track and update the website on a weekly basis, so your team stats will be up to date. To record minutes, click on the sign in button. This is a great place to keep track of the type of physical activity you do. You can look back and see what you have accomplished in each of the different activity areas. Filling in the description is optional. The most important thing is to record your minutes of physical activity.
Calendar: Get Active Howard County has a calendar chock full of activities. These activities are available for anyone on a Get Active Team. Space is limited, so RSVP early to guarantee space. If you would like to RSVP for any of the events, either call or (if available) register online. If you register online, please print out a receipt and take it to the class or event as proof of registration.
Weekly you will go to www.getactivehowardcounty.org, enter your user name and password and LOG ON. Choose the Log in Your Minutes prompt and enter your minutes.
How do I record my minutes if I do not have a computer?
If you do not have access to a computer, you record your weekly minutes in your log and at the end of the program mail or fax your completed log to:
Carol Wasser
Columbia Association
10221 Wincopin Circle
Columbia, MD 21044
Fax: (410) 715-3043
Who may I contact for more information?
Please call Carol Wasser at the Columbia Association (410) 715 5523.