Meet the 2013 Fit Family Challenge Spotlight Families

Contact: Michele Huggins
Charlotte Parent
mhuggins@charlotteparent.com
704-344-1980

Charlotte, NC (April 11, 2013) – Two Charlotte families are on a journey to get fit and healthier as Charlotte Parent magazine’s spotlight families in the Fit Family Challenge, kicking off April 15.

Prior to having children, Carl and Shana Hill, and Steve and Lisa Garfinkle, were fit and active. Since becoming parents, all agree that it’s difficult to find the time to exercise, prepare healthy meals at home and keep up with their daily routines.

Carl and Shana Hill have two daughters: Alana, 6, and Layla, 3. The Hills admit to struggling with making smart food choices, and each has a family history of high cholesterol and high blood pressure. The reality of seeing their children face medication and health problems in the future is a huge concern. They want to do everything possible to prevent that path.

Steve and Lisa Garfinkle have four children. Sarah Garfinkle, 18, wants to stay fit and eat well while at college. Ellen Garfinkle, 11, who was born with a heart condition has recently been cleared for exercise and needs help getting started. Jason Garfinkle, 13, and David Garfinkle, 8, are active, but according to Lisa Garfinkle, “have horrible eating habits.” The Garfinkles’ goals are to eat more meals at home, as well as incorporate more fruits and vegetables, while kicking up their fitness activities.

Helping the spotlight families achieve their goals are three local experts. Kim Jacobs, from Daily Balance With Kim Jacobs on WTVI (PBS), is helping the families achieve personal balance. Paul and Sandy Sklar, owners and fitness trainers at Prescriptive Fitness, are coaching the families on how to include the children in their workouts; and nutrition expert Cheryl Kuhta-Sutter, a dietitian at Presbyterian Novant Heart and Wellness, is assisting the families with healthy food choices and meal planning.

Follow the Hills and Garfinkles throughout their journeys to healthier, happier lifestyles in Charlotte Parent magazine and on CharlotteParent.com. Each family will share challenges and successes throughout the eight-week Challenge with photos and videos in the Fit Family Challenge blog at CharlotteParent.com/blogs.

What is the Fit Family Challenge?
The Fit Family Challenge is a community wellness initiative created by Charlotte Parent magazine in partnership with Coca-Cola with free fitness classes, expert advice and nutrition information. Families throughout the community are encouraged to sign up and then track their healthy habits on CharlotteParent.com. Prizes, including a grand prize trip to Universal Orlando Resort, will be randomly awarded to Fit Family Challenge participants. Learn more at CharlotteParent.com/fitfamilychallenge.

About Charlotte Parent magazine
Charlotte Parent is a free, award-winning monthly parenting publication serving 109,000 families in Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, York and Union counties, and more than 40,000 monthly visitors on CharlotteParent.com and more than 7,500 social network fans. The magazines are available at more than 900 locations with annual publications including Baby Guide, Exceptional Child, Ultimate Family Resource Guide and Education Guide.

Recently, the Parenting Media Association (PMA) honored Charlotte Parent for outstanding journalism and excellence in the Editorial Special Series category for the Fit Family Challenge. In addition, Charlotte Parent’s Healthy Families e-newsletter, a weekly e-newsletter with wellness tips, healthy recipes, and fitness ideas, received a PMA gold in the Digital category.

About Carolina Parenting, Inc.
Carolina Parenting produces monthly and annual regional publications, digital media resources and websites for parents and others caring for children in each of North Carolina’s largest markets: Carolina Parent in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area, Charlotte Parent in the greater Charlotte area, and Piedmont Parent in the Triad as well as LKN Parents in the Lake Norman area. The combined readership for the monthly magazines is more than 293,000. The associated websites are carolinaparent.com, charlotteparent.com, piedmontparent.com and lknparents.com.

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