GLENDALE ADVENTIST MEDICAL CENTER IN STEP WITH SURGEON GENERALS CALL TO FIGHT OBESITY

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When Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, MD recently put out a call to prevent obesity in adults and children, those in the city of Glendale could already celebrate some success. In January of this year, Glendale Adventist Medical Center (GAMC) launched a year-long community program to fight obesity. Nearly 200 people have registered for the program and have cumulatively lost more than 500 pounds.

gonzala1@ah.org

Community Losing Weight Together When Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, MD recently put out a call to prevent obesity in adults and children, those in the city of Glendale could already celebrate some success. In January of this year, Glendale Adventist Medical Center (GAMC) launched a year-long community program to fight obesity. Nearly 200 people have registered for the program and have cumulatively lost more than 500 pounds.

www.GlendaleAdventist.com/LoseATon Lose a Ton in 2010 is a weight loss challenge which encourages the Glendale Community to get up, get active and fit in 2010 by participating in the hospitals Ton in 10 weight loss challenge. Losing weight can help lower the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, cancer, diabetes, gallbladder disease, gallstones, osteoarthritis, and related conditions.”We are very proud of our Ton in 10 program and can already see improvement in those taking part in the program”, said Morre Dean, president and CEO of GAMC . “This is a way to call attention to this growing problem and teach people how they can take steps to attain and maintain a healthy weight. We’re determined to have those participating collectively lose 2000 pounds this year.”

Participants in the program receive weekly tips to help them reach nutritional and exercise goals. There are monthly weigh-ins with prizes as well as a network of support for those taking part. The Ton in 10 program offers help with weight tracking and monitoring progress, so participants can keep track of their weight loss.

“It’s been a challenge, but I’ve already lost 18 pounds and can feel the difference. Participating in this program has made it much easier to lose weight and has taught me ways eat right and stay fit, said Jazmine Sunico,who joined Ton in 10 in January.

Surgeon General Benjamin is calling on hospitals and healthcare providers to join efforts to stop the rise in obesity among American adults and children. She believes hospitals can play a major role in changing the American culture in a positive way to focus on preventing obesity through education about lifestyle choices.

The staff at Glendale Adventist personally responded to the Surgeon Generals call by using the Footloose song to put together their own energizing video titled Get Up! Get Active! With Glendale Adventist. By way of this video, the staff wants to show the community that they too can get active and have fun at the same time. To watch the video, please go to

www.glendaleadventist.com According to the CDC, 34% of US adults (72 million people) are obese today – an increase from just 15% in 1980. This contributes to a growing number of deadly chronic health conditions and costs the nation $147 billion per year.

GAMC is donating $1 for each pound the Glendale community loses to the Glendale Healthy Kids program, which ensures that children have access to healthcare and health education. Additionally, program participants can pledge to donate money for every pound they lose to the Glendale Healthy Kids program.

Ton in 10 is offered by Glendale Adventist Medical Center and All About You! Wellness Boot Camp in Glendale

www.AAYBootCamp.com All About You! Wellness Boot Camp is a holistic, fun, results-oriented fitness and nutrition program that helps each member achieve their individual fitness goals.The program is free. For more information on GAMCs Lose a Ton in 2010, call (818) 409-8100 or visit

www.GlendaleAdventist.com/LoseATon