Dieting is now a family affair

Posted Jan 5, 2012 By Michael J Brethour

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EMC Lifestyles - Belleville - Hospice Quinte has thrown the gauntlet out to area families to participate in Quinte's longest weight loss challenge.

This year's Hospice Quinte "Dump the Plump" is getting many area competitors psyching themselves up for Monolithic Monday, where contenders looking to "Dump The Plump" will be weighed in at Hospice Quinte for a chance for an individual to win $500 while the top team can take home $850.

But the major difference this year, noted Erica Holgate, community relations and fund development officer with Hospice Quinte, is the inclusion of family for the 15th annual event.

As far as participation, Holgate said, the sky is the limit.

"We have had everything from 150 to 300 participants in the past, so this year we are really going for the gold," she said.

Last year the event raised $2,850, $2,000 from the registrations and the winning team "Five Alive" donated their winnings back to Hospice.

In 2010, 202 people took part in the contest, compared to 323 participants in 2009. Last year those numbers were down slightly, the organization expects numbers to return to a more normal level this year.

This year in order to assist participants in their weight loss goals, Dr. Jennifer Webster and registered dietitian Heather Williams will be offering seminars, once a month, on healthy living strategies.

In addition Sherrie McKinney from Live Fit will be offering two workshops on exercises to do at home.

Contestants will be offered strategies on how to lose weight and keep it off.

"This fund raiser is about the individual, adopting a healthier lifestyle. It's not just about the weight loss, it's about going above and beyond for healthier eating and active lifestyles," she said. "We are trying to get families involved in order to adopt a lifestyle change ... you can't crash course a healthy lifestyle," she said.

As far as a financial goal, Holgate said this year the charity has yet to set one.

"To go above and beyond what we raised last year is what we are hoping for," said Holgate.

Hospice is a charitable organization with no constant government funding, approximately 70 per cent of the organization's operating budget comes from donations and fund raisers.

The funding generated goes to support several palliative care services offered by the organization, including grief support programs for adults and children.

People can preregister with the organization from January 3 until 13. The first weigh-in for registration gaily referred to as "Monolithic Monday" is slated for January 16.

Hours for registration on the initial weigh-in Monday have been extended to accommodate shift workers and the like from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Weigh-ins are every third Monday until the contest close date on June 18.

"Then competitors can weigh in every third Monday of every month until the final weigh-in," she explained. "Though only the initial and end weigh-ins are required for the contest, we do encourage participants to come to the weigh-ins to help build some healthy rivalry between the competitors."

She added that the recorded weights are all confidential, that under no circumstances will the information be shared with other competitors or the general public.

Competitors are judged based on the percentage of their overall body weight lost, not the total number of pounds. Participants can enter as individuals or as part of a five-member team. Contestants can enroll in both categories.

The contest requires each person pay a $25 registration fee. Teams are advised to choose a captain and a name for their team.

For information call Hospice Quinte at 613-966-6610 or e-mail Holgate at .




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