Prior to the introduction of Seton Medical Center Williamson to the community in February, 2008, the facility is launching Ignite Women's Health , a unique new fitness program that begins in November and culminates with the Ignite 5K, a Williamson County-based race to be held during the hospital's opening week. Ignite Women's Health encourages area residents to improve their health over 12 weeks of training that involves fitness development plus seminars on healthy living presented by physicians, Seton Health professionals and H-E-B nutrition specialists.

In collaboration with Central Texas regional partners RunTex and H-E-B who share our commitment to promoting health education and lifetime learning, plus local sponsor Community Impact newspaper, Seton hopes to assist Williamson County women in taking the first step in a path to life-long fitness.

" Seton Medical Center Williamson wants to partner with our community in improving the health of area residents," says Seton Williamson VP, Chief Operating Officer Michelle Robertson, RN. "Williamson County has a high proportion of young families. Working with women to improve their own health and to learn ways to become positive role models for other family members is consistent with our goals in the community."

12 Weeks to a Better You

The leadership at Seton Medical Center Williamson believes lifelong fitness begins with a healthy passion that ignites the mind, challenges the body, and rejuvenates the spirit.

"We realize that juggling the demands of work and family can sometimes push women's fitness goals to the back burner," continues Michelle. "We are hoping the new Ignite Women's Health program can make it possible for women in our region to take that first step."

Once open, Seton Medical Center Williamson will provide women's services, including labor and delivery, postpartum care, mother and baby care, and a Level II Neonatal Nursery. In addition, women's imaging and gynecological procedures will be available. The hospital will work closely with local obstetrician/gynecologists and family medicine physicians.

"This is exciting because it is the first time we are working with both RunTex and H-E-B in Williamson County on a joint program. This is a very meaningful way to let the community know Seton Medical Center Williamson is here and our goal is to improve overall health," adds Michelle. "We will be joined by numerous area physicians who will work with us to address wellness and education issues for women."

Fitness Training for Ignite 5K

Ignite is designed to help participants -- regardless of their initial fitness levels -- reach their goals in just 12 weeks. Professional training for walkers, runners and joggers will be provided by RunTex founder and well-known fitness guru Paul Carrozza and his team of dedicated RunTex coaches. No matter what pace you choose, this program can help you build strength, confidence and endurance.

Ignite Women's Health also is setting up an online forum for the race where participants can consult coaches if they have questions and communicate among themselves.

Training sessions will begin on Saturday, November 3, at Williamson County Regional Park. Several participants have asked what happens if they have to miss a training session. Please be reassured that you will be provided with complete information about the training schedule and how to work out on your own if necessary. In addition, if you have questions for the coaches, you can contact them online.

Women's Health Seminars

Six healthy living seminars presented by physicians, Seton health professionals and H-E-B are scheduled throughout the 12-week training program. Topics includes a Holiday healthy cooking demonstration at the new H-E-B Plus! on Palm Valley Blvd.; a discussion of the psychology of eating; information on nutrition and dietary supplements from one of Seton's clinical dietitians and an H-E-B healthy living consultant; information on how to manage incontinence during exercise, which is a common problem; learning to include your kids in your exercise program and others. Details on the schedule for the seminars will be listed on the Ignite Women's Health page on www.goodhealth.com/ignite.

"We will be the largest faith-based acute care provider in Williamson County. with a very strong women's service line," adds Michelle. "We are committed to promoting women's health and wellness in our region in close cooperation with the physicians who practice in this area."

Participating Williamson County Physicians

The following local area doctors will join other sponsors of Ignite Women's Health:

Matthew Romberg, MD
Obstetrician/Gynecologist

Tomas Antonini, MD
Urologist/Gynecolgist

Join the Ignite Community

Become part of the Ignite community on at www.goodhealth.com/ignite and gain online access to a wealth of training and wellness resources:

• Daily Ignite training schedule and essays
• Ignite forum
• Online access to RunTex coaches
• Healthy recipes and nutrition tips from H-E-B
• GoodHealth.com articles

The full registration price is $30. If you would prefer to register in person and pay by cash or check, H-E-B will host a series of sign-up events in several locations beginning this Saturday.

H-E-B Ignite Women's Health Sign-Up Locations

October 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
1700 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock

October 10, 5-7 p.m.
1101 S. IH35, Georgetown

October 16, 5-7 p.m.
201 N. FM 685, Pflugerville

October 18, 5-7 p.m.
16900 N RR 620, Round Rock

October 24, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
1700 E. Palm Valley Blvd., Round Rock

October 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
4500 FM 2338, Georgetown