The 2014 Fall Live Healthy, Live Well Challenge will be Sept. 8 to Oct. 19.

Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital received funding through its Healthy Community Initiatives Program to sponsor a wellness event and work with the Ohio State University Extension to bring programs to Lawrence County.

The initiative, which is co-sponsored by Our Lady of Bellefonte Hospital, Ironton aLive and the Ohio State University Extension, is a free, six-week online email challenge designed to help participants improve their health by encouraging physical activity, enjoying healthy foods and practicing sound fitness suggestions.

Those who sign up will receive two weekly e-communications from the Ohio State University Extension containing research-based nutrition, health and fitness information. Additional tracking logs will be available for download to help participants document progress. A pre- and post-assessment online survey will be used to gather comments to improve future challenges and track members’ progress. All collected data will be kept confidential.

“I hope that you will take the opportunity to sign up for the Lawrence County Wellness challenge and pass the information to your co-workers, friends and any one in the community,” Diva Justice, OLBH Director of Community Health Initiative said. “This is a simple way to promote wellness in our daily lives and in the community.”

Participants will learn about organic and natural foods, including calcium and fiber in one’s diet, super foods, gluten-free and whole-grain foods and incorporating fitness into one’s day.

OLBH targeted Ironton and Lawrence County as the area where the grant money would be invested, Justice said. Funds from the three-year program have been spent on developing Lawrence County’s first community garden, supporting the rebirth of the Ironton Farmers Market, participating in the Dave Lucas-led Lawrence County Healthy Initiative Program, providing funding for a summer youth day camp and afterschool tutoring at the community center.

Although geared toward businesses, people can sign up individually by visiting go.osu.edu/Lawrfall14 or remley.4@osu.edu. After being enrolled e-communications will begin on Monday.

The program has 4,000 participants across Ohio.

Questions can be directed to Assistant Professor, Field Specialist, Food Nutrition and Wellness for the Ohio State University Extension Dan Remley at 740-289-2071 ext. 241 or Justice at 606-833-3106.