Be Healthy Now

Is Hancock County full of losers? The folks at the local branch of the Ohio State University Extension sure hope so.

Be Healthy Now is a 12-week program intended to jump start the efforts of anyone who made a new year’s resolution to lose weight, with a healthy dose of good-natured competition thrown in for measure.

The program, sponsored by the OSU Extension, along with numerous community partners, is open to anyone, 18 and older, who lives and/or works in Hancock County.

The competition will feature teams of four to six people who will vie to lose the most body weight over a 12-week period. Teams can be made up of friends, family members, co-workers or other groups who will compete in one of three categories: male, female or co-ed. The team with the highest percentage of body weight lost at the end of the 12 weeks will win a variety of prizes.

Information may be made found online at http://hancock.osu.edu/bhn/ and The Courier will publish the weekly schedule in the Family section.

Schedule of Events: March 14-21

"Dietician guides shoppers through grocery aisles" (Courier, Feb. 8)

Here "At the Fencepost," participants can share their success stories, and everyone can share tips, healthy recipes and other comments about healthy practices. Click on the blue "Comments" link. COMMENTS are moderated on this blog and will appear as soon as possible within one business day.

Comments

[obgyn maricopa]

No doubt on its success for taking this tip.

[Life's Too Good]

This is my first time i visit here. I found so many interesting stuff in your blog especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here! keep up the good work.

[Manhattan Mold Removal]

Chocolate always makes me crazy, whether it's after I weigh in or not! I always want it.

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i have to do this program and let me say that it really works, now i'm weight the half, and i got myself better looking than ever, of course more self-confidence!

[John Nesler]

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[Renee]

Contratulations all of the Be Healthy Now workers who worked so hard at the Findlay Village Mall to kick off the second year of this 12-week community wide program. I enjoyed talking to various gym owners, dieticians, and fellow participants. I know a lot of hard work went to this kickoff, and I for one am grateful for the effort.

[Fab 5]

Congrats Kim and your team you guys did awesome!!! I wish I could say I lost 53 lbs., but I am female and it is easier for men then women. But all in all your team did wonderful. They said they weighed in 3700 hundred people I wonder how many people weighed out????????? I guess we all sit and wonder til the results come out. Congratulations to everyone that finished that stuck it out and hung in there. I can honestly say the hardest thing for me was not drinking mountain dew. I have not had one since January 20th. I used to drink probably a 12 pack in 2-3 days.

[Kim]

My husband lost 53 pounds in the 12 weeks. The ladies who weighed us in on Wednesday, said that might have been the most lost. However, someone might have had a higher percentage of weight loss. All in all, I was very proud of my team. Two of us lost 16, one lost 18, one lost 26, one lost 32 and then my husband's 53 brought our total to 162 pounds. Congratulations to every one who stuck it out and persevered!

[Fab 5]

I am so excited I am waiting to find out how everyone did. Will there be something posted on the behealthynow.us website or will it only be in the Courier? My team we lost a person she moved away, she could of helped us alot as her total weight loss for that time frame was 28 lbs. All in all we did good, it was fun and I proved to myself that I could do it.

[Rebecca]

The Courier is not aware of any one individual who lost 80 pounds in 12 weeks of the Be Healthy Now program. That wouldn't exactly be a healthy amount to lose in that amount of time, would it? :)

The extension office is still compliling its data, and The Courier will definitely run a wrap-up story once that is done.

[Fab 5]

I heard someone out there has lost 80 lbs. during this 12 week session...is this true?????? I would like to know how they did that. Also, I heard the story of this person was in the Courier, can anyone tell me what day it was in so I can read the story. That sounds amazing and CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Goodluck to everyone out there. I was at the meeting today and it really made me think about alot of things. I don't eat alot of veggies and I was looking to take some kind of multivitamin but now I am not sure what to take or if I should take any.

[Janet]

Good for you, Fab 5!! It is great to hear of your success and continued motivation. I've had my ups and downs... and that includes my weight. I haven't been as consistant as I would have liked (in exercise and eating), but I keep plugging away. I'm doing better. It's a lifestyle change, and it's been a hard commitment. It sounds like you're on your way though, Fab. Good for you!

I can't say enough about the education programs that the Be Healthy Now has provided us on Tuesdays. The presenters have been so informative and motivational. THANK YOU, Barb Brahm... and all your hard work in putting this program out there for our community.

[Fab 5]

Well it is the weigh in week and wondering how everyone has done. I personally was joking with the office people about joining just for the heck of it. I definitely am overweight, so joking I was...and guess what? I have stuck with it the whole entire time. I have lost more than I have ever thought I would and it feels great. There is no reason behind me losing just that I feel it is time I get healthier and weigh less. The time went slow, and I couldn't wait for this week to come, but now that it is here I am thinking why is it here so fast. People ask me are you going to keep on this after the program is over with? Yes I most definitely am. I am on a roll and am not going to STOP!!!! Goodluck to all you people out there. It is not an easy task to count calories and workout, but look what the future will bring!!!

[Jeff]

I would like to make it clear to any one looking up perfectweightamerica.com that there is a free code....PWA. It explains it clearly in the directions. The girl Melissa Gertz that spoke about this has held her weight off for over 3 years now, not just 5 months. Melissa gets no profits from the sale of fucothin, but she graciously shared what really worked for her. She is just hoping people really do get healthy with Be Healthy Now...getting thinner doesn't always mean healthier. There is a way to acheive both. Jordan Rubin helped her find the way to do this. Melissa is now thinner than she was and YES tons healthier. Her life was changed for the better and she was just trying to help people. You have a choice to do whatever program you want. Melissa was just educating us to another way to get healthy. Nothing wrong with education.

[NordicSenior]

I only wanted to use the walking track at the Y; I have recently been introduced to Nordic walking, and being pretty heavy, this has immensely helped in my exercise program; many Y's across the county offer the course, so imagine my suprise when I asked if I could bring them to walk and was told I could not. The nordic poles are rubber tipped and do not in any way damage anything; they are made for indoor walking, too. I was a little saddened by the Y's lack of support, this exercise also helps anyone wiht balance or MS, and I am disappointment I cannot get the Y's support to use them.

[Rebecca]

The education session for Tuesday, Feb. 26 is STILL ON -- at least the noon session at the Lighthouse. The evening session is in a "standby" mode. It is still scheduled, but OSU Extension folks are going to wait and see what the weather does before making any cancellation decision. Call (419) 422-3851 to check before you head out.

The Hancock County Sheriff's Office issued a Level 2 snow advisory Tuesday morning. Roadways are deemed hazardous with blowing and drifting snow. Only those who feel it is necessary should be on roadways.

[Rebecca]

One of the neat things my company is doing is putting out a bowl of fruit every morning. There are actually two, one in the business office and one in the cafeteria downstairs. Healthy, happy employees are productive employees, right? It's so helpful to grab a free breakfast or mid-morning snack to curb cravings.

[GIGGLES]

I AM WONDERING Y DO THEY NOT CHOOSE PEOPLE FOR DOOR PRIZES IF UR NOT IN A GROUP?????????????? I SEE THAT NOT BEING FAIR AT ALL JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE DONT HAVE A GROUP DOESNT MEAN TO LEAVE THEM OUT SO Y>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>??????????????

[Rebecca]

The Feb. 12 evening session -- "Exercising Without a Gym" -- was canceled because of inclement weather. The extension office does intend to offer it again once a location has been secured. No specific date has been set yet.

[Laurie]

Does anyone know when last night's postponed meeting is rescheduled for?

[Annie Conger]

I am a member of the Y and I am glad to see you "Be Healthy Now" people there. I hope that those negative comments by the minority do not thwart your efforts! Please know the "silent majority" (I really didn't like Nixon at all but it's an appropriate phrase) is rooting for you and most do not mind sharing the equipment or the ever-running-out towels. My tummy's fat and my thighs betray too many value meals --- welcome to the club!

[Jan]

Yes, the YMCA is packed. I have been a member for years until the membership went up so high that it was not in my budget. Too bad other organizations could not have opened there doors also to our less than fortunate individuals who do have the opportunity to work at one of our great jobs in Findlay that pay 1/2 if not all of ones membership. Or those of us who do not live in the flood zone and did not get hit with that devastation. Geez, they can afford a membership perhaps!!! Let's applaud Russ G. for being so generous in the ACCESS program who gives such a great discount on those who cannot afford a membership, "NOT". As far as Dr. Mills talk, well his was realistic and to the point. It was tacky to put the other speaker "Melissa Gertz" at the end of the night to give her testimony that same evening. Seemed to mock everything the good doctor had to say. Seems she was trying to sell her product, "FucoTHIN", . Kudos if it worked for her and prevented her from committing suicide,(at least in the 5 mos. she has been on it), however, I would like to see her 6 yrs. from now to give this same presentation. By the way, I tried to get on her "so called" free web site, "Perfect Weight America", and I could not get in without being asked to join as a paid member!! Any one out there have any answers to that??? I do agree that a lot of people make excuses to NOT work out if they are not accustomed to it or have always been sedentary. But as far as our complaining paying members of the YMCA, be grateful you can afford it and SHUT UP ALREADY! See you at the Y!!!

[Rebeca]

Tuesday's evening session on calories and portion control has been moved to Calvary Baptist Church, 2000 Broad Ave., across from Great Scot grocery store. (The Lighthouse parking lots are beginning to flood.)

Think of it this way: After learning all about nutrition labels, you can hop across the street and take your own grocery store tour. Just try not to faint in the middle of the aisles when you begin to realize just how many calories are in some of your favorite foods.

But I appreciated the dietitian's tough-love approach to calories. We just cannot eat as much as we have been eating in our lives. Also, I got a chuckle out of hearing her compare a gas-station guzzler cup of soda, cappuccino, etc. to a "liquid Big Mac."

[A Loser 4 Life]

I think it was very generous of the YMCA to open for all the"Be Healthy" participants. However, I am disappointed that when I am out at community events or just standing in line at the store - I am hearing comments about how unhappy the Y members are. I would love to take advantage of using the Y- but can't feel comfortable if I am always looking over my shoulder - trying to make sure I'm not holding anyone up - since I don't want someone to complain that all the equipment is being used - by "non-paying members". Does anyone else feel this way?

Good Luck to everyone!

[Rebecca]

Frankly, Dr. Mills scared the crap out of me today discussing the diseases and ailments that are threatening to end my life. Perhaps it's just the kick in the pants we all needed. I did glean a little bit on setting and reaching wellness goals, particularly the SMART approach: Make your goals Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-specific.

What did you all think of the presentation and the information? Has anybody checked out http://www.perfectweightamerica.com ? What did you think of Melissa's story about journeying from a time of severe, suicidal depression to losing 60 pounds and gaining health?

[Striving to be a loser]

Well, I finally made it to the YMCA. Parking wasn't a problem and I walked right on to an eliptical machine. My biggest problem when it comes to working out is I always think I can do the things I did 25 years ago and invariably injure myself - and quit. This time I spent time on the machine and then walked for a while and finished with some crunches. I thought about going to the weight machines, but stopped while I was still standing. I think self control - both in consumption of food and drink and easing into the workout routine will pay dividends. Good luck to all.

[Janet]

I did my first "training" on the exercise equipment this morning with Sue at the Y. I was given a magic "key" last summer by the Y when I initially joined. I had guarded this key so safely that I unfortunately forgot where I put it (which goes to show how much I had used it.. which was not at all). Alas, I found it late last night in the nick of time for my training appointment this morning. If you haven't aquired one of these magic keys... they are... truly magical! They do all the work for you... except the actual exercise of course. They keep track of your personal seat position, the weight level for each individual machine... and even do all the counting. They also tell you which exercise equipment you need to visit next. The keys are personally programmed by the trainers at the Y and work with your ability and strengths (and/or weaknesses). With chronic back issues and reoccuring knee problems, Sue was able to get me set up to best strengthen those core muscles that hamper my back and knees in a very gentle way (and work up to more at a gradual pace). I truly appreciate Sue's patience with me... although she did scold me just a little when she found out I was trying to jog on the treadmill last week (with my back and knee problems). But hey... I am hoping to do a 5K in May! I think only members can only benefit from these magic keys. So, if you are thinking of joining the Y, you will definitely need to check out these special little keys.

Now as I pat myself on the back for my workout this morning... I have to say that the eating control issue has been much harder, especially modifying my portions. It's just so hard letting those two spoonfuls of green bean casserole go down the sink after dinner. I know it's better off down the garbage disposal rather than in my stomach (but you try telling that to my taste buds). I will keep working at it... cause I'm a Loser4Life (with a lot of losing still to go)! Keep with it BHN teams!

[No Spare Tires]

Are you struggling? Focus on one day at a time. Still struggling, focus on one meal at a time. The next meal/day, don't look ahead or behind, just focus on the moment. It helps. So does gentle encouragement from your team-mates. Thanks team!

[Rebecca]

I struggle with over-eating, so I'm sharing the following tip even though it sounds ridiculous. When eating something hand-held, like a granola bar, I now force myself to put it down between bites. I also try to set my fork down between bites.

This keeps me from "shoveling it in," or taking more bites before swallowing. Try it and you too will begin to notice your own bad habits of constantly keeping food in your mouth at all times, never missing a beat or an extra calorie.

Forcing this pause between bites gives my poor brain a chance to signal to my body that I am full. Before I would just keep eating until it was all gone, and then hate myself for how stuffed I felt.

[Team Project Bun-Weigh]

The most helpful message I have received thus far in the "Be Healthy Now: program is the fact that I need to do more that cut fat and calories. My challenge to myself is to not only cut fat and calories, but to increase the nutritional value of my diet. Simply given a range of calories and fat grams to keep within, it is still possible to eat crap that does nothing to properly fuel the body. I am planning to attend every educational opportunity and see if I can get turned around.

My biggest weakness at this point is to get moving. I really need a kick in the "you know what"! I belong to a gym and pay a membership, but do I go?...NO!!! Why is this such a difficult step? I wish I knew...

[Janet]

I went to Tuesday's start-up meeting. Barb Brahm mentioned the FencePost/blogs on the Courier website, and I thought I would pass along the link to my team members to contribute and find some motivational testimonies of other BHN participants' successes. I enjoyed reading your blog Rebecca... and maybe I will consider helping out with towel folding in the immediate future. In the meantime I will bring my own towel (pink for motivation) to wipe my forehead and use only a single white towel for the equipment. Honestly, I know the Y employees must be overwhelmed, and hope that members will be appreciative of their efforts.
I have actually been a Y member for a few month, just prior to the flood... and somehow the delay left me unmotivated in making attempt to change my lifestyle. I really appreciate the BHN challenge as a source of encouragement for not only me getting started... but moving some friends along too.
I think it was a tremendous gift to the community for the Y to offer their facilities. Granted... no one realized the extent of how many people wanted to participate (wasn't the number of participants about triple the expectation?), and it is unfortunate that the Y is a little overcrowded. Hopefully, maybe some newbees can try to work their busy schedules for a more accommodating (and less busy) time at the Y. I been fortunate that I haven't had to wait on equipment at the times I have visited, if bikes are busy... I just do the treadmill, etc.
Good luck, BHN participants! As my team members always say.. "I hope to see less of you!"

[Member since 1986]

I think a lot of "Y" members are tolerant of all the new faces trying to get in shape over the next 12 weeks, and I think most of the new faces are respectful of the fact that they are using a facility that is funded in large part by member dues. What both groups need to keep in mind is that the YMCA isn't just another workout facility. The Findlay YMCA mission is: "To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy body, mind and spirit for all, without regard to race, religion or ability to pay for services." If you are a member, hopefully you buy in to this mission and welcome all. If you are currently using the facilities as part of the Be Healthy Now program and this mission is of interest to you, hopefully you'll join. Here's to a healthy, happy 2008.

[Trainer 1]

Try whole grains and foods with fiber, eat lots of fruits and veggies, do not drink soda(1-2can diet ok) exercise two times a day. Weigh in only once a week at the same time, Drink plenty of water, Do not binge, take a multi-vitamin, pack you lunch and predetermine what you are going to eat for an entire day and when it's gone, it's gone. Remember, a salad is good, but most dressings are bad, pick a dressing with low amounts of calories. Learn serving sizes, read food labels. Snack on fruit,, veggies, or hot air popcorn with no butter.

[Lewis]

I know a lot of you have encountered Y members with some bad attitudes about all the people using the equipment and the paying members can't at times find a machine. I guess I am one of the ones with an attitude about this also. But it's not the people that are using the machines that are at fault. All the so-called sponsors except the YMCA did not un-conditionally open their doors and welcome everyone. The Y and the paying members seem to have the burden of supporting this program almost totally and it’s not right. Who pays for the extra wear and tear on all the equipment and building when this is over? Probably the members. I gave up a things and a lot of time to join but I feel good that I am putting something back even if it’s just my yearly membership fee and picking up some after a member that was to lazy to pick up their own towel or empty water bottle. (YES) probably a dues paying, Why! because it’s my Y. If you think after 12 weeks its over it’s not. You want to keep off what you worked off, plan on a change forever because it’s a lifestyle change not a 12-week excursion. No more Macdonald’s or Burger King I eat at home and spent the fast food money on my Y membership, and so can most of you. Money buys more equipment and keeps it open, so everyone benefits equally. I understand some may not be able to afford to pay their way but several can. More money buys more machines and a better future for all.

Lewis

[Rebecca]

What did you all think of our first educational session today?

Some notables for me were Brenda Roethlisberger's encouragement about loving each other even though we all are in this thing for different reasons. I also appreciated how she suggested going to the Y during the less-busy times so that we weren't the ones waiting for machines or so that we wouldn't have a bad experience there. Very considerate. Barb Brahm's comments on looking at this not as a problem but as a project was also helpful.

And didn't you just love some of those team names? I'm not sure Barb realized what "Muffin Tops" really meant, but the name was as cute as: "Phatt-Bottom Girls," Cooper's "Spare Tires," "ROMEOs: Retired Old Men Eating/Exercising Out," "Five Barbies & a Ken," and, my personal favorite, "Big Daddy and the Cellulites."

[Marlena]

OK fellow BHNer's. My advice--drink lots of water! I try drinking a glass of water every two hours while I'm at work and it seems to help! I lost two pounds in the first three days of my "dieting". I haven't made it to the Y yet...I'm a little afraid! Sounds like there are a lot of people out there! Stay positive!!

[happy camper]

Do not stay away from the Y! I have been a member since 1988, and before that, I belonged to gyms in Columbus. Findlay Y members have been spoiled rotten until now. They don't want to share the machines or wait for a turn, and that was true before be healthy now started. Eating out suggestions: olive garden has special dishes, go veggie, get low fat soup and salad at panera.

[NOMOREFATGIRL]

Good for us for doing this! its not about a diet - its about a lifestyle change, a 12 week kickstart to a new way of life is GREAT BEGINNING so use it! Calorie king.com is really the best tool - count your calories and increase your fitness and you will succeed!NO ONE CAN STOP YOU AND YOU WILL NOT FAIL if you stay focused!!! I am a member of the Y and love seeing the new faces-if we all encourage each other and smile and use good manors (park in the front of the bldg & dont stay on a machine too long) we can all workout and have fun. I just lost some weight on a medically managed weight loss program and I needed something to keep me motivated so I keep losing and don't gain it back, and I love the competetion, So THANK YOU so much to the OSU extension office for doing this and GOOD LUCK TO ALL! Lets make this city full of fit, healthy people instead of excuse making, tired, cranky, and unhealthy COMPLAINERS!! (And as a former server in a popular restaurant - I know Findlay is full of them.)

[Plumber]

YMCA
I'm sure you never thought you would have all of these headaches. To the memebers, I would have to say, I'd be upset too but go with it, its only for 12 weeks. To the weightloss wantabees, what did you sign up for? Just the free things? Great reason to lose weight! NOT!
This is suppose to be fun for everyone. Come on people, why can't everyone just get along.
To the ones that set up this wonderful event, it was a great idea and I hope you have more possitive feedback than what I have read so far.
Good luck
Plumber

[Tanya]

when doing this diet i have cut back my calories and noticed it has helped me out quite alot. My encouragement to do this was my boyfriend and my sister i think it will be a great success to help me out. I like the idea because i watch it on tv alot . well good luck to and hope you all enjoy your time at the ymca .

[Jean]

Three tips I use when eating out-
1 - Order the meal from the appetizers only
2 - No pop or shakes, just water and coffee black
I don't drink as much coffee if I drink it black
Give me Mountain Dew and I guzzle, coffee with
cream and sugar and I will drink two cups
3 - Always plan on splitting something or taking
something home for another meal. That saves a
lot of calories even if I slip up and order what
I should not..when it comes, see it as 2 meals,
one for here and one for home.

[Rebecca]

Like always, the Y is packed during peak hours: 5 a.m., lunch time, and 6 p.m., according to staff. Try heading out there in late evenings or mid-afternoons.

To read about my encounter with a less-than-pleasant Y member on my first BHN trip to the facility, click on my name to be directed to my blog.

[DC]

I heard the Y is packed, so I'm going to try working out at home with Pilates and Tae-Bo.
The hardest time for me was in the evening hours - I always wanted to snack before to bed. I started an eating cut-off time of 7:00pm for myself. I am going to prove to myself that I have the will power to stay in this 'game'.
Good luck to everyone - I think this blog will be very helpful and encouraging to those who stick with the program!

[mere]

Actually, a friend and I went to Steak & Shake and had a "last lunch" to squelch the craving before we were weighed. The hubs and I eat out a lot and I've been doing better as far as ordering and portion size. I was shocked to find out a serving of meat is only the size of a deck of cards. Any one have tips on eating healthy at restaurants? And has anyone been to the Y yet? Is it a zoo?

[Diane]

I weighed in today and was amazed to find out there were 3,000 other people signed up! That is amazing!
Good Luck Everyone!

[Rebecca]

My first success was just signing up. My second success was not heading straight to Dietsch Bros. chocolate shop after getting my weight measured. Did anyone else have to fight a similar urge?