Scale Back Alabama officially open

Beginning Jan. 19, local residents are invited to sign up for a statewide weight-loss contest called Scale Back Alabama. Now in its seventh year, the 10-week contest is an attempt to encourage Alabamians to lose weight, to exercise and to have fun while doing it. Last year’s campaign drew nearly 30,000 people in almost every county with a cumulative reported weight loss of 148,963 pounds.

The new year is a perfect time to think about establishing good habits that will make you healthier. All you have to do to participate in Scale Back Alabama is find three other individuals to be on your team with you, choose a name for your team and choose one member of the team to be the team captain. Teams consist of four members. Then all team members must come to the Wellness Center at BWWMH the week of Jan. 19-25 to weigh in* and register, and weigh-out at the end of the contest. The contest is free, and there are cash prize drawings at the end.

The goal is to lose a pound a week during the 10-week period. Throughout the contest participants will be provided with tips such as how to eat healthier portions and how to make exercise a part of their normal routine. The contest is geared toward adults age 18 and older, and we are particularly encouraging businesses and other organizations to participate. Information on the times and locations for all public weigh-in sites is listed on the Scale Back Alabama Web site, www.scalebackalabama.com. BWWMH Wellness Center is a public weigh-in site. Our weigh-in hours are: Sat., Jan. 19: 8 am – 4 pm; and Mon. – Fri., Jan. 21 – 25: 7 am – 7 pm. Please note that FRIDAY, Jan. 25th is the LAST day you can weigh-in.

Scale Back Alabama 2013 Important dates:

Jan. 19-25: Participant Registration/Weigh-In Week

Mar. 8-18: Voting for Team Name Contest Announced

Apr. 6-12: Participant Weigh-Out Week

Apr. 26: Scale Back Alabama 2013 Winners Announced

For more information on contest rules, prizes, etc. please go to www.scalebackalabama.com or you may contact Betsy Adams at the Wellness Center Mon.- Fri. 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., phone 334-287-2613. The Wellness Center will again be offering the free Scale Back classes weekly during the contest.

*Note: Participants weight is kept confidential.

Wellness Tips are provided by Betsy Adams, Wellness Center Director, Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital, Demopolis, AL.