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Newark, N.J. - Over 500 employees of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center have signed up for a weight loss contest that challenges contestants to shed pounds in a safe manner, through comprehensive diet and exercise, as they compete for a grand prize of cash and a trip to the Short Hills Hilton Spa. The Beth Challenge, a 12-week contest which has a similar design to the popular television show, "The Biggest Loser," is designed specifically to address individual health and fitness goals and to add some fun to the sometimes arduous process of weight loss.
The kick off-- a festive opening ceremony on February 9—is both a pep rally and an opportunity for words of support and competitive banter among teams.
“We are acknowledging all weight loss efforts and honoring contestants in categories such as “Most Improved,” “Best Attitude,” “Hardest Worker,” and “Trainee of the Week,” says Barbara B. Mintz, MS, RD, Clinical Nutrition Manager, and Kevin Lawless, PT, DPT, Assistant Vice President, who are co-sponsoring the "Beth Challenge.” “Progress reports and recognition from “Barbara’s Boot Camp” are given for top performers throughout the event. Our goal is to encourage, educate and inspire the contestants to achieve their fitness goals.”
Ms. Mintz, who created the weight loss contestant and also runs KIDSFIT Newark, a NBIMC program to help overweight and obese children and adolescents better manage their weight, has been thrilled by the enthusiasm of the employees. They have shown great creativity in choosing the almost 50 team names, with everything from Sister’s In Shape, the Security Department; Diva Docs from the Pediatric Health Center; Lady Choppers from Dental; Handsome Devils from OR, Orthopedics; Germaphobes from Infection Control; and the always popular Drug Lords from the Pharmacy Department.
Each participant who signs up for the challenge sets personal health and fitness goals and has 12 weeks to complete the challenge. The contest began Monday, February 2nd and ends Friday April 24th, 2009, with winners announced Monday, April 27th. Participants can enter as a group, department or individual. Contest winners will be based on greatest percentage of weight loss for individual and/or group.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for employees to meet and exceed their fitness goals and to improve overall health and well being,” says John A. Brennan, MD, Executive Director. “The competitive environment furthers the weight loss effort and I am pleased to see so many contestants encouraging their team members and colleagues. Good health is a team effort at The Beth.”
Meeting Health Goals
Other goals for the contest can range from weight loss, reduction in BMI, body fat, reduction in blood pressure, cholesterol…any goal or combination of goals. Contestants are provided with a meal plan and exercise program tailored to their needs. There is an initial weigh-in, and fitness and nutrition consults, and thereafter contestants are required to weigh in weekly for the length of the contest.
Supervised exercise time is available in the rehabilitation areas of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center every weekday for two hours and meal programs are designed by hospital nutritionists. Membership to the Beth “gym” is free for all contestants for the length of the contest. Classes are also available on nutrition and exercise topics.
National survey data show that the prevalence of overweight and obese adults in the U.S. has increased steadily over the past three decades. Most adults in the U.S. will be overweight or obese by 2030, according to a 2008 study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.
For more information about Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, or for a referral, please call 1-888-724-7123.
Date: February 6, 2009
Contact: Beth Salamon
Public Relations
Phone: 973.322.4926
esalamon@barnabashealth.org
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