The Waist Management Challenge drew to a close this week with an awards presentation for the “biggest losers” in the 12-week competition: the team “Miracle Workers,” comprised of Kathy Elliott, Michelle Emrick, Bonnie Jensen, Jennifer Kaminskas, Jeanine LeMieux, Jacki Moriarty, Pam Pardun, Julie Price, Claudia Tilley and Diane Walbridge.
Winning team members participated in a “Yankee Swap”, each choosing a prize and then, in order of the percentage of body weight lost, they could “steal” from someone else if they liked their gift better. All prizes related to the theme of creating a healthy lifestyle, for exampl;e, a healthy eating cookbook, book of hiking trails on the Delmarva, salad spinner, neck massager, portable gym, Yeti water bottle, etc.
Jean Volz, who lost the greatest percentage of body weight, won a one-hour therapeutic massage at the Center for Integrative Medicine. Kelly Bottomley, who lost the greatest number of inches, won a $50 gift card. All Waist Management Challenge participants who lost five percent of their weight were given a planter and seeds to grow fresh herbs.
The challenge was a lot of fun as well as a great success, according to Nancy Bedell, regional manager, Employee Health & Wellness Services, as she explains: “Nine
people lost 10 percent or more of their body weight, and 13 lost between five and 10 percent, Participants had a good time sharing their personal tips and encouraging each other to stay with the program, and I think everyone learned some new strategies for better health.”
In a post-challenge evaluation survey, participants agreed, as the following comments reflect:
“Since I lost weight, I feel like I got energy. I lost 14 pounds and changed my eating habits. I am very thankful for this wonderful class.” –Sumiko Cochrane, Chestertown Lab
“I really was successful and the support was very helpful. I am looking forward to continuing.” — Kathleen Morris, Discharge Clinic
“I liked the wide range of information. The group leaders were kind, understanding and approachable.” — Brandi Cunningham, RN, UM Shore Nursing & Rehabilitation Center
Waist Management: The Quest Continues
According to Bedell, the second phase of Waist Management program begins this coming Monday, April 10 and will last eight weeks. Meetings will be every other week. The program is open to everyone, those who participated in the first and those who didn’t. It begins next week.
Recognition for the biggest losers second phase will be given as follows:
- Winner and 1st Runner Up, new participants: greatest percentage of body weight lost.
- Winner and 1st Runner Up, continuing participants: greatest percentage of body weight lost.
Any UM SRH team member who would like to participate should contact Employee Health & Wellness Services, 410.822.1000 ex. 5144, by end of day Monday, April 10.