Barnesville Hospital Makes Time in 2009

(L-R) Raquel McGee, Jennifer Wells, Melissa Dodd, Beth Brill, Jennifer Houston, and Lori Leary

The Barnesville Hospital Employee Wellness Program recently conducted a nine week weight loss challenge for employees, family, and friends entitled "Make Time In 2009." To achieve the target weight loss goal of 936 pounds, each participant made a commitment to lose nine pounds. This goal was surpassed with the group losing a total of 1,046.4 pounds! From entry fees paid, team and individual winners were given cash prizes totaling $1,040.00.

The 104 participants competed in weekly immunity challenges, based on "The Biggest Loser" television theme. As one of the weekly challenges, participants brought in non-perishable healthy food items, earning their team one point per item donated. With the assistance of Barnesville Elementary School, five families were identified and benefited from the 511 pounds of food collected.

Team winners in total weight lost were: 1st - Chris Mellinger/Crystal Cunningham, 2nd - Norma Cunningham/Polly Potochnik, 3rd - JoEllen/Andy Rataiczak, 4th - Jeannie Stewart/Christina Huck, 5th - Leanna Milhoan/Jennifer Jefferis, 6th - Sue Ward/Willie Cooper-Lohr. Individual winners were: 1st - Chris Mellinger, 2nd - Polly Potochnik, 3rd - Norma Cunningham, 4th - Andy Rataiczak, 5th - Crystal Cunningham, and 6th - Susan Hallstrom.

Team winners in percentage lost were: 1st - Norma Cunningham/Polly Potochnik, 2nd - JoEllen/Andy Rataiczak, 3rd - Chris Mellinger/Crystal Cunningham, 4th - Judy Mowery/Susan Hallstrom, 5th - Leanna Milhoan/Jennifer Jefferis, 6th - Jeannie Stewart/Christina Huck. Individual winners were: 1st - Jennifer Jefferis, 2nd - Norma Cunningham, 3rd - Polly Potochnik, 4th - JoEllen Rataiczak, 5th - Susan Hallstrom, and 6th - Melissa Dodd.

As a follow up to this weight loss challenge, the Barnesville Hospital Employee Wellness Program is conducting a maintenance program. Monthly, employees, family, and friends participate in a weigh in. For those still having weight to lose, they will be continuing to lose weight with support, encouragement, and guidance. For those reaching their weight loss goal, they will be encouraged to maintain their weight. Participants that maintain their weight or continue to lose will have chances to win cash prizes each month.

The Barnesville Hospital Employee Wellness Program encourages participants to exercise, eat right, and live healthier lifestyles. Curves of Barnesville and Corner Fitness participated in the weight loss challenge and were instrumental in supporting Barnesville Hospital's mission to "improve the community's health.

L-R standing: Leanna Milhoan, Norma Cunningham, Chris Mellinger, Polly Potochnik, Susan Hallstrom, Judy Mowery
L-R seated: Jennifer Jefferis & Willie Cooper-Lohr