December 30th, 2009
CTMC offers wellness challenge

STAFF REPORT

Earlier this year, Central Texas Medical Center (CTMC) gave its employees a unique opportunity to get more fit and healthier with the LoneStart Wellness Challenge. CTMC is now offering the program to the general public, just in time to help with those New Year’s resolutions.

The Lonestart Wellness initiative is a behavior-based program that seeks to provide participants with information, motivation and support to achieve healthy lifestyle goals.

The results of the program conducted earlier this year with CTMC employees speak for themselves. More than 60 of the participating employees lost a combined total of 390 pounds. Several participants had significant reductions in cholesterol, blood glucose and triglyceride levels.

“This 63-day wellness and fitness challenge worked great for me and made me a believer that we can take care of our own health with just a little effort and commitment,” said CTMC Executive Assistant Dee Taylor. “I was amazed that after the program I had such great results that I was able to not only get off my cholesterol medication but my blood pressure meds, as well.”

CTMC will begin this year’s Lonestart  Challenger on Jan. 20 and 21 in its new Community Classroom. The sessions will be held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Those wishing to participate need to register by January 18. For more information on the program, call (512) 753-3818 or visit ctmc.org.

The hospital recently expanded its health and wellness services with the creation of  its Institute for Healthy Living (IFHL) which was created to provide information, education, health screenings and events that emphasize good health habits.

The Institute will spearhead CTMC’s annual HealthCheck Community Health Screening and Fair scheduled for April 22. This year’s event will feature and expanded panel of screenings and will take place at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center. The off-site venue was chosen for easier access, more space for an expanded number of booths and areas for special break-out sessions. The sessions will include talks by clinical professionals and question and answer periods.

The IFHL offers a variety of programs and classes focusing on disease management, support groups, women’s health, nutritions, financial wellness, healthy living for seniors, children’s health and more.

More information about CTMC’s Institute for Healthy Living can be obtained by calling (512) 753-3818.