Lakeland, FL – Lakeland Regional Health’s FitChurch Challenge successfully wrapped up 12 weeks of fitness, nutrition education, weigh-ins, screenings and friendly competition to discover inspiring stories of willpower, transitions, accountability and camaraderie.
Participants were all smiles as they came together for their final blood glucose and blood pressure screenings and weigh-ins on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Lakeland Family YMCA.
“We are so pleased by the success of our inaugural FitChurch Challenge,” said Lauren Parkes-Springfield, Lakeland Regional Health Manager of Community Outreach. “Most of all, we are touched by the people we’ve met and with whom we’ve shared struggles, disappointment and triumphs. Our hope is that this is one giant step in a lifetime of wellness.”
Ten congregations and a large group of independent community members enrolled in the free program, with a total of 174 registered. Throughout the three months, participants were encouraged to attend wellness-related events, such as walks around Lake Hollingsworth, yoga at the Y, Zumba class at a local church and a Stop the Bleed class, and each event earned individuals and team attendance points. A total of 21 events were held.
The top teams for points earned are Trinity Christian Center, First Baptist Church of Imperial Lakes and College Heights United Methodist Church. Two participants attended all 21 events: Dorothy Trogolo of College Heights United Methodist and Dolores Shaw of New Mount Zion Missionary Baptist.
The most pounds lost during the 12 weeks was 26 pounds. Perhaps the most remarkable result is a middle-aged man who started the Challenge with a blood glucose level of 308. His final reading was 145. The American Diabetes Association advises keeping blood sugar levels before meals from 80–130 and your levels 1–2 hours after meals under 180.
“We work so diligently to strengthen the health of our community,” said Deana Nelson, Lakeland Regional Health Senior Vice President of Administration and Chief Strategy Officer. “Lakeland Regional Health wants to be your partner not only in getting well but also in staying well, and that is a lifelong process of habits, education and support. We are so thrilled by our community’s response to FitChurch Challenge and look forward to doing it again in 2019.”
Participants were grateful to have the support of health professionals while they embarked on this effort.
“This program has been a great help to me,” FitChurch Challenge participant Jane Joyce wrote in a thank-you note. “I’ve lost 10 pounds since January and feel like I am eating better and in more appropriate portions than before. Thank you to all who brought this program to Lakeland. It’s made me think and reassess and I’m grateful for the effort you all went to help those of us in the program.”
71.5% of residents in Polk County are obese or overweight, according to the Florida Department of Health, and that places youths and adults at greater risk for developing heart disease, hypertension, stroke and diabetes.
About Lakeland Regional Health
Not-for-profit Lakeland Regional Health reaches beyond its hospital walls to promote wellness, education and discovery in new places and new ways, providing a wide range of inpatient and outpatient healthcare services at its Medical Center, Hollis Cancer Center and ambulatory care locations. Lakeland Regional Health earned Most Wired Advanced and Most Wired status four times since 2013 from the American Hospital Association and has earned workplace awards from Forbes, Gallup and Becker’s Hospital Review. Its 849-bed comprehensive tertiary referral hospital, Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center, operates a Level II Trauma Center, a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, the Bannasch Institute for Advanced Rehabilitation Medicine and the nation’s busiest single site Emergency Department.