Let the games begin!

The New Year, New You Challenge is off to a great start! There are 26 businesses participating making up 118 teams of four or more members. Although a few stragglers are still joining, there are currently 703 participants in the Fitness Challenge. I am so impressed with the Jamestown community – you have really risen to the Challenge!

The Healthy Lifestyle Coalition will use some of the money from the entry fee to go toward weekly prizes. Prizes will be awarded to the business with the highest Corporate Point Average (total points divided by number of participants). The business will then have to determine how to disburse the prize internally to team members. One rule that will be in place is that a team can only win the weekly prize one time. That way, it gives other teams a chance to win in the event that one business takes a big lead.

Next week, continue to keep a record of your physical activity. The Wellness Challenge for the week of Jan. 21-27 is to drink a minimum of 24 ounces of water per day — and not more than one bottle (20 ounces) of any kind of sugary drink or any kind of soda pop (diet or regular). That means limit Kool-Aid, juice/fruit drinks, power drinks, fully loaded latte-type drinks with added cream, sugar, etc). Many of us are unaware of how many calories we “drink” each day!

Weight Loss Tips for the week:

* Keep a record of how many calories you drink each day then look for ways to cut down.

* Studies have shown that drinking low fat or skim milk is beneficial for weight control.

* Continue to fill yourself up on fruits and vegetables for general health and for weight control — the goal is 5 to 9 servings a day. A serving is generally half a cup.

Following is a list of businesses that are participating, along with the number of teams and participants. Keep your eye on the Health Section each Tuesday to see how teams are doing.

(Walter is the wellness coordinator at Jamestown Hospital)

Tags: new, new, challenge