2008 Woodie Awards
CMCH, CMU continue to evolve local weight loss program
Mount Pleasant woman loses 102 pounds in one year
By: Justine Easter
Issue date: 1/14/08 Section: News
Editors note: The original story incorrectly stated Margaret Fick's weight. This version correctly states her weight.
Margaret Fick weighed 263 pounds in January 2006.
The 75-year-old Mount Pleasant resident did not have a nutrition plan. She was prescribed diet pills she didn't want to take and she would sit around the house without exercise.
After going through Central Michigan Community Hospital's Wellness Central Fitness and Central Michigan University's year-long weight loss program, she weighs in at 161 pounds - a loss of about 102 pounds.
"I couldn't clean the kitchen floor without resting and now I have more energy than I ever had," Fick said. "I can now walk up to three-and-a-half miles, and I don't need diet pills."
She plans to return to the one-year fitness program in order to help her maintain a healthy diet. Her goal is to walk the 5-mile trek at the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day.
For the last 15 years, CMCH has teamed up with the university for an annual one-year weight loss program, which incorporates sound nutrition with exercise.
The program, which began the first week of January, consists of a three-phase meal plan based on a diabetic exchange list, exercise guidelines, cholesterol screenings, group meetings, weigh-ins and a pedometer.
"Most (participants) learn to really understand what they're eating and how to make healthy choices. They learn what a portion is and a balance of calories," said Julia Keepper, clinical physical therapy supervisor.
There is a $300 admission fee, but participants who maintain responsibility and commitment can earn up to $120 back. Keepper said there are usually 30-40 participants with an age range of 35-55 years old. There currently are 25 people registered.
Richard Parr, health sciences professor, said the hardest part in following a program like this is consistency in nutrition plans and exercise.
"Everyone can do it for a day, but to do it consistently is difficult," he said. "Every year we add something that will help the program be more successful ... we have evolved overtime."
Parr said participants seem satisfied with learning how to eat and exercise.
"The ones who lose the most weight are obviously satisfied," Parr said.
news@cm-life.com
Margaret Fick weighed 263 pounds in January 2006.
The 75-year-old Mount Pleasant resident did not have a nutrition plan. She was prescribed diet pills she didn't want to take and she would sit around the house without exercise.
After going through Central Michigan Community Hospital's Wellness Central Fitness and Central Michigan University's year-long weight loss program, she weighs in at 161 pounds - a loss of about 102 pounds.
"I couldn't clean the kitchen floor without resting and now I have more energy than I ever had," Fick said. "I can now walk up to three-and-a-half miles, and I don't need diet pills."
She plans to return to the one-year fitness program in order to help her maintain a healthy diet. Her goal is to walk the 5-mile trek at the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day.
For the last 15 years, CMCH has teamed up with the university for an annual one-year weight loss program, which incorporates sound nutrition with exercise.
The program, which began the first week of January, consists of a three-phase meal plan based on a diabetic exchange list, exercise guidelines, cholesterol screenings, group meetings, weigh-ins and a pedometer.
"Most (participants) learn to really understand what they're eating and how to make healthy choices. They learn what a portion is and a balance of calories," said Julia Keepper, clinical physical therapy supervisor.
There is a $300 admission fee, but participants who maintain responsibility and commitment can earn up to $120 back. Keepper said there are usually 30-40 participants with an age range of 35-55 years old. There currently are 25 people registered.
Richard Parr, health sciences professor, said the hardest part in following a program like this is consistency in nutrition plans and exercise.
"Everyone can do it for a day, but to do it consistently is difficult," he said. "Every year we add something that will help the program be more successful ... we have evolved overtime."
Parr said participants seem satisfied with learning how to eat and exercise.
"The ones who lose the most weight are obviously satisfied," Parr said.
news@cm-life.com
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