Sanford Jackson

Sanford Jackson Medical Center announced today that Jackson County is 566 pounds lighter after the conclusion of the 2nd Jackson County Weight Loss Challenge. The 12-week challenge began the week of February 23 and ended the week of May 18th. Twenty-three teams of four began the challenge and eighteen teams finished the challenge.

The challenge kicked off on February 19th with a presentation from Amanda Driver, a Health Behavior Coach from the Sanford Mutch Center for Health Enrichment. Participants paid $25 and received a beginning & ending total cholesterol test, blood pressure test, fitness workbook and pedometer. Weekly weigh-ins were encouraged but only required for the beginning and end of the challenge. Being a part of a team, a cash reward and weekly tips were intended to provide motivation to make healthy lifestyle changes.

Prizes were awarded on June 3rd at Sanford Jackson Medical Center. Awards were given to the top three teams who had the highest team average % of weight lost over the duration of the Challenge. The 1st place $500 winners were Sweet-n-Low: Matt Benson, Dennis Hunwardsen, Tim Olson and Dave Faber. They lost a total of 73.7 pounds with an average of 7.75% weight loss. The 2nd place $250 winners were JJLS: LaVonne Kruse, Judy Allen, Scott Allen and Jackie Weinberg. They lost a total of 59.01 pounds and an average of 7% weight loss. JJLS had three returning champions from the first challenge. The 3rd place $125 winners were the Livewires: Rose Rolph, Julie Stark, Tami Bell and Cindy Mosley. They lost a total of 53.9 pounds and an average of 6.5% weight loss. An individual award of $150 was given to Dave Faber for having the most improvement in total cholesterol and blood pressure.

Naomi Pederson, coordinator of the challenge shared that, “in both challenges it seems that the teams with the most success have team members that keep them motivated.” Naomi added that, “the challenge isn’t intended to be a weekly program or support group. It’s intended to be a good reason to get together with friends and co-workers and improve health.”

Sanford Jackson intends to have an annual weight loss challenge. One was held in the summer of 2008, this challenge was in the spring. The next challenge is being tentatively planned for the fall of 2010.