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Newark, NJ--On March 15, "The Biggest Loser" weight loss television program filmed a segment at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center (NBIMC) as part of their "Pound for Pound Challenge," a community weight loss initiative. A group of employees from NBIMC have created a team for the "Pound for Pound Challenge." For every pound they pledge to lose through May 31, 2011, the "Pound For Pound Challenge" will donate 11¢ to Feeding America® through local food banks.
"NBIMC and Children's Hospital of New Jersey were recognized not only for the team they formed but also for our ongoing commitment to weight loss and healthy eating in the community," says John A. Brennan, M.D., Executive Director, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey. "Prevention is a vital part of any health care plan and we hope to reduce the risk factors for many conditions through better health."
The "Beth Challenge," a successful weight loss and fitness program that was created by NBIMC and has helped hundreds of employees to lose over 6,000 pounds, has been embraced by two Newark area churches, schools, as well as the New Jersey Legislature. Members of Clear View Baptist Church in Newark also joined the 12-week contest with a similar design to the popular television show, "The Biggest Loser.” Most recently Newark Mayor Cory Booker's office and over 300 municipal employees have taken the "Beth Challenge" as well. The state legislature of New Jersey has accepted the “Beth Challenge” and has been “cutting the fat” out of government in a challenge that began in January.
"We have spearheaded the fight against obesity through our "Beth Challenge" program in churches, schools, the New Jersey legislature and the Newark mayor's office," says Barbara Mintz, MS, RD, Assistant Vice President for Wellness at NBIMC. "Our message about the importance of healthy eating is making a difference."
On the day of the visit from "The Biggest Loser" program, Ms. Mintz was filmed leading an informative Nutrition Class for team members, and Kerri Rossi, RD, Nutritionist from NBIMC, ran an energetic Zumba class for the group. The Zumba class took place at a new on-site Employee Fitness Center, which was funded by the employees and will offer classes and equipment usage seven days a week beginning in April. Also featured was a Farmer's Market which is currently being offered inside NBIMC during the winter months. The market features fresh baked goods, vegetables and other healthy offerings.
The NBIMC team was filmed doing a "Pound for Pound Shout Out," which is an enthusiastic cheer to kick off their weight loss challenge efforts.
New Jersey Assemblywoman L. Grace Spencer (D), who represents Essex County, also participated, as well as Senator Barbara Buono; Assemblywoman Cleo Tucker; Assemblywoman Annette Quijano; and Assemblyman Tommy Giblin. Also in attendance were Ronald J. Del Mauro, Chief Executive Officer of the Saint Barnabas Health Care System; Michellene Davis, Sr. Vice President for Government Relations and Policy Development, Saint Barnabas Health Care System; Darrell Terry, Sr. Vice President of Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of New Jersey; Lee Anderson, Director, State and Local Government Relations, General Mills; and Reverend Eric M. Beckham of Clearview Baptist Church in Newark.
The segment will air on the April 12 segment of "The Biggest Loser." For more information about the "Beth Challenge," please call Barbara Mintz at 973-926-2663.
For More Information
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, a 673-bed regional care teaching hospital, provides comprehensive health care to its local communities and is a major referral and treatment center for the northern New Jersey metropolitan area. Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, located at 201 Lyons Avenue at Osborne Terrace in Newark, can be reached at (973) 926-7000. Visit www.barnabashealth.org.
Contact:
Beth Salamon
Public Relations
esalamon@barnabashealth.org
973-322-4926
Date: March 15, 2011
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