Having spent the better part of 25 years helping people lose weight, get stronger and improve their lives, health and fitness isn't just a "passion" of mine. It is truly who I am.

As a certified personal trainer, I have been helping people for nearly a quarter of a century.

When I became a proud member of the Medina Chamber, I immediately recognized that there was no specific committee devoted exclusively to Health & Wellness and took it upon myself to "create" one.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, today, just over a third of U.S. adults are obese. By 2030, it is estimated that 42 percent will be.

Worse yet, the already-obese are getting fatter. According to a research study led by Duke University, sever obesity will double by 2030, when 11 percent of adults will be nearly 100 pounds overweight, or more.

Closer to home, in a recent study conducted by the United Health Foundation which ranked the states in the U.S. on a number of health-related factors, including "sedentary lifestyle", "obesity", "smoking" and "diabetes", Ohio ranked close to the top in each of these factors.

As I see it, the goal of the Health & Wellness Committee will be to promote and educate both the residents of Medina as well as the local business community on how we can improve the health of the residents who live in the area.

I will debate this one simple fact with anyone. Our health is absolutely THE most important thing that we have. It is a gift that cannot be taken for granted.

I am looking forward to leading the Health & Wellness Committee and to working with the other members of the Medina Chamber to promote and improve the health and wellness of the Medina community.

If you are interested in contributing to this committee, please contact Jaclyn at jacyln@medinaohchamber.com