A few years ago, Michael Anderson and Rick Best, nationally recognized leaders in firefighter health and safety, challenged the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s (NFFF) Everyone Goes Home® state advocates to lose 2 pounds for every year they had been involved with the Everyone Goes Home® program. The time frame was 60 days. That first year, 43 advocates took the challenge and lost a combined weight of 419+ lbs.
There were also multiple stories from those who were not in the position to lose weight. The group took it upon themselves to use this as a mental health challenge of going tech-free and doing an activity of their choice to relax and manage stress each day. They shared stories of how taking time for themselves and family helped them regain perspective on what is truly important in life. Some identified medical issues that needed to be corrected; some realized they needed to spend more time with family and friends.
This year, the Everyone Goes Home® program has extended the invitation to Fire Hero Family members, Local Assistance State Team members, NFFF staff and contractors who want to participate in the 2-Pound Challenge! We created a Facebook group to bring us together, help us lift each other up with encouragement, and provide tips so we can become the best versions of ourselves!
The original challenge was:
- Lose 2 pounds for each year you have been involved with the Everyone Goes Home® program and/or
- Spend a minimum of 2 hours a week taking part in a relaxing activity of your choice.
We encourage you to customize this challenge to fit your personal needs at this time. It could be:
- Losing 2 pounds
- Walking 2 miles
- Taking 2 bags of clothes to the thrift store
- Whatever will help you establish habits that lead to a healthier, happier life
The 2-Pound Challenge begins on April 12th and ends on June 12th, but we hope that the new habits and intentions we set will keep going strong long after June 12th. Participation is completely voluntary, and the goal is to have fun and create healthy habits. If you would like to participate, please join the private 2-Pound Challenge Facebook Group.
Disclaimer
You should consult your physician or other health care professional before starting this or any other wellness/fitness program to determine if it is right for your needs. Do not start this program if your physician or health care provider advises against it. If you experience faintness, dizziness, pain, or shortness of breath at any time while exercising you should stop immediately and seek medical care.
