Losing It
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No Comments [ Add Comment ]OGDEN -- Health care providers are dropping into Ogden Clinic and dropping pounds as they participate in a "Biggest Loser"-style competition to last through the holidays.
The wellness program was put together by Ogden Clinic's new human resource manager, Tineka Hardwrick, who was eager to get her staff healthy.
"Last year, I lost 100 pounds through Weight Watchers. When I got here, I wanted to start a wellness program. I know how much better I feel and want that to carry onto our employees, especially in a health care industry," Hardwrick said.
With 129 participants from seven Ogden Clinic locations, every office is buzzing with talk of weighing-in and salad dressings.
It's no coincidence the contest ends Dec. 23, just before Christmas Day. The program was deliberately chosen to start nine weeks before Christmas.
"We're trying to get people through the holidays without gaining weight and, instead, try to maintain or lose," Hardwrick said.
Participants are ready to defeat holiday sweets and treats as they work together in teams to encourage each other.
"If we can make it through Christmas, we can make it through anything," said Dr. Sheila Garvey. "We all work together every day, eat together every day, walk at lunch every day. We are all trying to adopt a healthier lifestyle."
What motivates people to participate? Money. The biggest individual loser at the end of the contest will receive $300. The contest is done on an individual and team basis, with the biggest losing team receiving $50 per person.
"I think it's more of the competition between employees and co-workers that's motivating them," Hardwrick said.
Some just enjoy having the support of co-workers.
"It's a good way to motivate everybody to keep together and stay on our diet. It's fun. We're all going to the gym and encouraging each other," said Dr. Renee West, who has lost more than6 pounds since starting the program.
At the start of the program, participants set a goal of how much they'd like to lose during the nine week program, with 20 pounds set as the maximum. Blood pressure, body mass index and weight were measured at the beginning of the program to be compared at the end.
Weekly meetings are held with topics discussed, such as exercise, smart snacking, eating out and portion control to educate the competitors about a healthy lifestyle. No specific diet or exercise is required when in the program. Daily e-mails are sent reminding participants to watch their water and food intake.
Doctors are very busy people and their participation proves the importance of the program, as they take the time away from their patients and busy schedule to participate, Hardwrick said.
"It's hard for health care providers to encourage a healthy diet if they're overweight. Part of being a good provider is being an example," said Paul Schofield, CEO of Ogden Clinic. "I'm looking for a lifestyle change. Tineka's transformation has been an inspiration. If she can do it, I can do it."
Participants lost 63 pounds their first week on the program and look forward to improving their results as they learn more about changing their lifestyles.
At a class Tuesday, Marsha Greenberg, health and wellness consultant with Altius Health Plans, spent time explaining the changes in Americans' dieting and pointed out what has doubled America's obesity numbers.
"Larger portions are doing it. Over the last 20 years, plate size has increased two inches in diameter and snacks are 60 percent larger," Greenberg said. She explained people need to get comfortable with smaller packaging sizes and smaller plates to help with weight loss.
On Jan. 6, another weigh-in will measure how well the participants maintained their weight through Christmas and New Year's.
"It's a good kick in the butt to get going. In this field, you see everyday what being overweight does to your health," said Mindi Hansen, LPN and member of the second biggest losing team.
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