By Get Well Bahamas PHASE three of the 16-week Get Well Bahamas Health and Fitness challenge is off to a great start, with 40 participants working to lose weight and improve their overall physical and mental health. The objectives of the National Prescription Drug Plan (NPDP) sponsored programme are to promote preventative health strategies and reduce the burden on the health system created by chronic non-communicable diseases (CNCD's). "Too many Bahamians suffer and die early from complications of chronic non-communicable diseases that can be either entirely prevented or effectively managed through proper diet and exercise," said NIB Director Algernon Cargill Mr Cargill shared stories of how Get Well Bahamas has strengthened marriages, encouraged children and family members to eat and live a healthier lifestyle, as well as aided in the reduction or use of prescribed medication. Jenkins Rolle, winner of Get Well Bahamas second cycle addressed participants at the launch of phase three. "To achieve your goals of dietary discipline and weight reduction, it will depend on your own energy and your own exertion. Praying for it is not enough; wanting it is not enough; and craving it is not enough. You have to work for it," said Mr Rolle. The 40 participants in phase three will receive 12 weeks of health and wellness coaching with focus on behavior modification and proper nutrition. The challengers will receive regular instruction on meal planning, food preparation and food portions. Additionally, they will receive 12 weeks of personal fitness training three times per week including a three month gym membership, along with initial health screenings, health risk assessment and monitoring during the three month period. Participants spoke with excitement about the challenge before them. Solomon Campbell, one of the participants said his goal is to lose 85lbs and he believes that is within reach. Kim Bodie, at age 50, wants to free herself from prescription medication and look sexy again. The programme is free for the challengers and is facilitated by Bodyzone Fitness, Jemi Health and Wellness and Homegrown. For the next 16 weeks, the 40 new Get Well Bahamas challengers will take charge of their health, one day and one step at a time. Corporate partners include Atlantic Medical Insurance, Bank of the Bahamas, CIBC FirstCaribbean, Generali Insurance, Nassau Underwriters Insurance and The Sports Locker. The challengers for phase three are: Layoya Wildgoose-Charlton, Taria D. Thompson, Kim Bodie, Monique Dorsett, Solomon Campbell, Jermaine Frazer, Sherry Dames, Andia Murray, Sheila Culmer, Margaret Hopkins, Stacy Baker, Maria Coakley, Derek Edwards, Shalewa Smith, Sharon Aitken, Deidre Barry, Tiffany Carter, Linda Evans, Kim Adderley, Valderis Walkine, Eleanor Rose, Deon Adderley, Helen Ellis, Kevin Buchanan, Dion Farquharson, Dwaine Stevens, Phillipa Bethel, Khalilah Khalfani, Clarice Williams, Herbert Ferguson, Jean Minus, Prince Wilson Sr., Kendal Ferguson II, Marjorie Jack, Nakia Culmer, Leslyn Smith, Pearline Jones, Nekoda Clarke, Kayla Knowles, Samantha Miller.