Pounds lost. Blood pressure lowered. Diabetes and cholesterol improved.

These are just some of the reports coming from employees of the more than 300 local businesses and organizations who've already taken part in the "eat well live well" challenge.

The Rochester Business Alliance is hoping to get even more people engaged in this fun, easy way to stay healthy as we sign up businesses for the Fall 2009 challenge.

The challenge is an eight-week program, designed by Wegmans Food Markets, that uses two simple measures to encourage participants to make healthy food choices and increase their physical activity. To learn more about this award-winning, nationally recognized program - and how your company can get involved - employers are invited to send a representative to one of our upcoming informational sessions.

The next session is set for 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19 at the Rochester Business Alliance, 150 State St. downtown. Free parking is available in the building lot. A second session will be held from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3, also at the Rochester Business Alliance.

Sessions are free, but registration is required.

To register or get more information, contact Colleen DiMartino at (585) 256-4627 or colleen.dimartino@rballiance.com.

The "eat well live well" challenge is being offered as part of the RBA Healthcare Initiative, which is aimed at seeking ways to keep our region's health care costs down while maintaining quality and improving access to medical care. The "eat well live well" community-wide challenge, now in its third year, is believed to be one of the nation's largest community wellness initiatives and has been recognized by the federal government as a national model.