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County competition yields 1,500 pounds of weight loss
Savings times 2
Wallet & waistline
I
n our last issue, I wrote about health and wellness that will benefit all the employees, trends and teaching our children about staying active not just those participating in this and healthy eating. This time, I want to introduce you competition. There is one county to a group of people that are leading our young people that is looking into utilizing some — and all of us — by example. unused space for an exercise room, We have a group of almost 200 county government much like Pulaski County did a few employees that have taken on the challenge of creating a years ago. Another county has turned healthy lifestyle for themselves. You could call them “big a very small, almost closet-like space Becky Comet losers,” and they probably wouldn’t take offense at all. into a workout area with a small AAC Member Benefits Manager Our “losers” have teamed up for a weight loss competition. exercise trampoline and some elastic But this isn’t just any weight loss competition. We are bands. A little bit of space, some not just interested in that number on the scale. We also donated or low-cost used equipment, have incorporated blood pressure, heart rate and waist and you have a way for people to increase their activity before, circumference. Furthermore, we have made this a sixafter and even during the workday using their break times. month commitment. This extended time frame gives People are thinking outside of the box to help their employees people time to break old habits and create some new, and coworkers become healthier. Statistics show a healthier healthier ones. This is about lifestyle changes, not a diet. workforce leads to a happier work environment, more The word diet implies that productive offices and lowered there is an end at some point, health care costs. and then we can go back to Arkansas is ranked the e are two months into the whatever we did before. Well, third most obese state in the whatever we did before got us country behind Mississippi competition and seeing where we are now. This group and Louisiana. Obesity and of “losers” wants to make those obesity-related diseases are a terrific results. These nearly 200 people long-term changes that will huge concern in this state and, have a positive impact on their therefore, in our counties. have collectively lost 1,519 pounds and health and well-being for many However, the goal of this years to come. “competition” from the 226 inches in their waists. Heart rates At this writing, we are two beginning has been much more months into the competition than weight loss. This is not and blood pressure also are moving into a and seeing terrific results. about losing a few pounds so These nearly 200 people have you have the bragging rights of healthier range for many folks. collectively lost 1,519 pounds winning. This is about making and 226 inches in their waists. the healthy lifestyle a habit. Heart rates and blood pressure At this point, our teams are also are moving into a healthier range for many folks. One set, and the competition is in full swing. However, if you are beautiful young lady told me that she was diagnosed with not on a team you can still participate. Your numbers will not diabetes last year. She has been trying to change habits and count for your team, but they will count for you. Find out lose weight but having a difficult time. She says her support who is on the “loser” team in your county and join them. The group of “losers” has been just the source of encouragement camaraderie and encouragement of a group is so important to that she needed. She’s doing so well that recently her the process. You may be thinking, “I’m just not ready to starve doctor took her off her oral medication for diabetes. She is myself and sweat my rear end off in the gym.” To that let me controlling it with healthy eating and exercise. AMAZING! say that learning to make the healthy choices 80 to 90 percent In an effort to step things up a little, we were able to of the time will make a big difference. Drink more water. Eat purchase pedometers for all our participants with a grant more fruits and vegetables. Take a walk. A 15- to 30-minute from the Arkansas Blue & You Foundation. Starting in May, walk is just as productive as a mile run, physically and we will have a “losers” step competition. The team with mentally. You can do this. It is not going to happen overnight. the highest average number of steps for a month will win a This is a marathon, not a sprint. The important thing is to do traveling trophy in May, June and July. something ... for the health of it. Our county folks are thinking about making changes
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COUNTY LINES, spring 2014
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