THHS Walking the Rez 2008 helps change habits and lives

By Stacey Kiehn

The predominant theme emerging from this year’s “Walking the Rez” program centered on meeting challenges and changing lifestyles. Tribal Health staff recorded the miles accrued for many individuals walking toward an improved quality of life. Established four years ago, the continued goal of the program has been to encourage and increase participation in a daily exercise routine and promote healthy living. Participants embark on their personal physical fitness quest each year beginning February 14th and wrap up on Mother’s Day. Each step taken is accounted for by a pedometer over the course of a 13 week period. For many involved, the health related achievements experienced at the end of the program transcend the difficulties of breaking old habits at the beginning.

One such individual resides in Ronan. Marlene Rorvik, both a former smoker and an asthmatic, achieved this year’s award for the most miles walked by one individual. Marlene covered 1,225 miles in the 13-week span. Her desire for improve health arose out of her experiences working in a rest home. In 2000, the significant impact of seeing and caring for an elderly gentleman relying on a respirator caused Marlene to examine her lifestyle; in particular, her 28 year smoking habit. Marlene was told by doctors she was in the initial stages of cardio-pulmonary disease. Because of her decision to quit smoking, she was able to ward off the disease, which, Marlene said, eventually reverted back to asthma. At one point Marlene considered going back to smoking when she began noticing a fluctuation in her weight. She sought advice from Dr. LeeAnna Muzquiz, a Tribal Health physician, who encouraged her to stick to her smoking cessation program. Marlene has now been smoke free for 8 years and is grateful for the new lease on life she has discovered through healthy choices.

Based upon Marlene’s determination, Cherrie Rorvik made a decision to follow in mother’s footsteps toward a healthier lifestyle. She went on to achieve the second highest miles recorded totaling 1,169 miles. The family participation did not end there however. Cherri’s children, Faith Bisson was recognized as the youngest girl to walk the most miles racking up 731 miles; Elijah Bisson covered 664 miles in his efforts; and Forrest Wolf received the youngest boy with the most miles award with 653 miles. Due to one mother’s desire for improved health, her children and grandchildren now share in those benefits. The Rorvik family logged a combined total of 4,442 miles walked.

Another youngster who participated, Matt Michel’s grandson Llewellyn Michel, is no stranger to fitness or the Ronan Fitness Center. James Adams, Ronan Fitness Specialist, said Llew (as he’s known by his friends), is at the Center daily. Aside from devoting time to his own workout, this 9 year old assists James around the Center to maintain the facility. When Llew is not at the Fitness Center, his mom Maxine says he and his sister Whisper can be found participating in various cultural activities or out fishing. Llew’s favorite activities aside from being a self-proclaimed “fish-o-holic,” are drumming and stick game. Maxine stated he was a real good stick game player and when he wins, Llew usually shares his money with his sister. Llew said walking 253 miles in “Walking the Rez” made him feel cool and strong.

Tribal Health staff put in many hours to assist program participants in achieving their desired or prescribed health related goals. In addition to staff support, many local community businesses have chosen to be involved as well. The St. Ignatius THHS Diabetic Program, St. Ignatius, Arlee, and Ronan Fitness Centers would like to thank the following businesses for the donations made to the program:
   Valley Bank - Savings Bond
   Les Schwab - 2 Alignments
   Mission Mart - 2 Food Certificates
   Hair Shrink - Hair Cut

THHS staff would also like to thank and congratulate all “Walking the Rez” participants. This program has seen and contributed to many healthy success stories over the past four years. This year each participant walked for a combined total of 35,510.5 miles. This is almost all the way around the world in a 13-week time frame. The staff would also like to announce the special award winners:

Ronan
   Youngest Boy - Forrest Wolf - age 8 walked 653 miles
   Youngest Girl - Faith Bisson - age 10 walked 731 miles
   Oldest Girl - Sherron Bowman - age 72 walked 320 miles
   Oldest Boy - Leonard Morigeau - age 72 lost count of total miles
   Oldest Couple - Flo Drowatzky (70) and Fred Courville (68)
   Most Miles - Marlene Rorivik - 1,225 miles
   Most Family Miles - Rorvik family - 4,442 miles
   2nd Runner Up - Cherrie Rorvik - 1,169 miles
   Most Consistent - Eva Anderson
   Most Improved - Barbara Mann
   Couple with the Most Miles - Willard and Julie Moore
   Best Helper - Llewellyn Michel - age 9 walked 253 miles

Arlee
   Youngest Boy - Jerome Felix - age 7 walked 663.7 miles

St. Ignatius
   Youngest Boy - Gregory Weatherwax - walked 337.7 miles
   Most Miles - Josh Christie - age 23 walked 973 miles
   2nd Runner Up - John Thomas - age 24 walked 816 miles

Moise
   Oldest Girl - Laurena Foust - age 81 walked 246 miles

Dixon
   Oldest Girl - Betty Wetzel - age 78 walked 286.2 miles

It is because of the participants that this program is successful. The personal dedication each person puts forward to improving life styles today reduces the risks for chronic health related concerns down the road. If you are interested in participating in this or other fitness programs sponsored by Tribal Health, contact Margene Asay at 745-3525, extension 5072 for additional information.