Tuesday, August 09, 2011
Charlotte to lead the nation in Vitality Challenge weight loss campaign
Charlotte residents challenged to lose 1million pounds in a year
Charlotte has been named the “model city” for a nationwide weight loss campaign developed by Dr. Art Ulene, NBC’s TODAY Show doctor for more than 20 years. The Charlotte Vitality Challenge™, which launches officially on Saturday, Aug. 27, has set a goal of taking a million pounds off the residents of Charlotte. “Our people and our country are suffering greatly because of an epidemic of weight gain,” Dr. Ulene stated. “We are committed to reversing the process by creating a counter epidemic—an epidemic of weight loss. We are proving it can be done in Charlotte, and we’ll invite the rest of the country to follow Charlotte’s example.”
The proof is already in the making, according to Dr. Ulene. Several hundred Charlotte residents have been using the website and software during the summer, and about two-thirds of participants are losing weight. The program involves a weekly renewable commitment to use up to four weight loss behaviors and a daily commitment to check in at the program’s website. “The magic of the program is in the personalization,” Dr. Ulene explained. “There is no diet to follow, no calories to count, no required foods and no forbidden foods. Each participant sets his or her own goals and pace.“
Vitality Challenge participants will use a unique internet-based software program, BUCKAPOUND™, to create their personalized weight loss action plans and track their progress. Individuals who use the program are asked to donate a dollar a pound for each pound they lose to charitable causes in the Charlotte area.
The Vitality Challenge/BUCKAPOUND website, forums and chat rooms also offer social support, encouragement and nutritional advice for anyone who wants to lose weight. Participants will receive regular emails with motivating tips and information. Every seven days participants are asked to rate the behaviors they used and are given an opportunity to trade in those that have been unsuccessful or hard to follow.
The Charlotte campaign is supported by Johnson C. Smith University and Presbyterian Healthcare. “We cannot stand by while two-thirds of American lives are in jeopardy because of weight-related diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer,” said Dr. Ron Carter, PhD, president of Johnson C. Smith University. “I challenge our students, faculty, staff and the entire community to rise up to the challenge and help reverse this discouraging trend.”
“The Vitality Challenge matches the mission of Presbyterian Healthcare/Novant Health ‘to improve the health of the communities we serve,’” said Ophelia Garmon-Brown, MD, vice president of Community Partnerships with Novant Health. “We want our neighbors to be energized by one another to make a commitment to eating healthier and moving more. This program serves as a resource for additional support and information to help them achieve their weight-loss goals, but we’re always more effective when we encourage one another.”
Everyone who registers to participate in the campaign by Sept. 1 will receive four weeks of free access to the Vitality Challenge program. Those who want to continue will pay $9.95 every four weeks thereafter. Subsidies are available to those who cannot afford the participation fee.
The entire Charlotte community is invited to a “kick-off” celebration on Saturday, Aug. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Johnson C. Smith University. Nutrition education and fitness activities will be available at areas throughout the campus. (Full listing of scheduled activities below.)
For more information on the Vitality Challenge, visit www.presbyterian.org/vitality . Those beginning a weight-loss or exercise program should first consult their personal physicians to determine whether there are any health risks that should be managed as part of their plan.
Vitality Challenge Charlotte Kickoff
Saturday, August 27
10:00AM to 2:00PM
Johnson C. Smith University (100 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte)
Station Schedule
Information Station/Registration –
Jack S. Brayboy Gymnasium from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Pick up Vitality Challenge Charlotte wristband, event schedule and map
BMI Station –
Jack S. Brayboy Gymnasium from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
BMI screening
Health & Wellness Consultations Station –
Jack S. Brayboy Gymnasium from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Health and wellness counseling
Track & Field Station – Irwin Belk Complex
(3 stations in 1) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (30-minute rotations)
1. I Will Walk For Food Station – Irwin Belk Complex (Track)
2. Shed The Pounds Relay Station – Irwin Belk Complex (Field)
3. Create Your Own Boot Camp Station – Irwin Belk Complex (Field)
Cardio exercise and demonstrations
Relaxation Station – Irwin Belk Complex (Dance Studio)
Four 20-minute relaxation/meditation sessions
10 a.m. to 10:20a.m.
11 a.m. to 11:20a.m.
noon to 12:20
1 p.m. to 1:20 p.m.
Zumba Station – The Block
Four 30-minute Zumba sessions
10 a.m. to 10:30a.m.
11 a.m. to 11:30a.m.
12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Interactive Nutrition Class – Lionel H. Newsom Humanities Building (Room 108)
Four 30-minute nutrition classes
10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Noon to 12:30 p.m.
1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Food & Water Station – Irwin Belk Complex
Water, bananas, apples and granola bars
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
First Aid Station – Irwin Belk Complex
First aid services, supported by Presbyterian Healthcare
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Speaker Schedule
Dr. Art Ulene
Co-Founder, Buck A Pound, LLC, who appeared on NBC’s Today Show for more than 20 years
11 a.m. – Biddle Hall (Auditorium)
1 p.m.– Biddle Hall (Auditorium)
Glenn Smith- originator of the “buck-a-pound” concept
12 p.m. – Biddle Hall (Auditorium)
