May 19, 2016 - After 12 weeks of setting weight loss goals, learning to prepare and eat healthy and tasty meals, participating in daily fitness activities, supporting each other through ups and downs and many, many “five-highs,” the 63 biggest losers of weight in Extension’s Step Up, Scale Down program were recognized, and the top three winners of weight loss were announced on Tuesday, May 17, 2016 at the Piney Woods Outreach Center. All total, the group lost an astounding 414 pounds.
The first place winner with 18.1% weight loss was Ja’Mense Bryant. She was awarded a check of $700 and seven aerobic/yoga/kick-boxing lessons at I Fit on the Square along with gift certificates from Light and Champion, Oceano Spa and T/R’s Steaks and More. The second place winner with 12.8% weight loss was Debbra Johnson. She was awarded a check of $400 and a gift certificate to T/R’s Steaks and More. The third place winner was Marlene Hernandez with a 9.6% weight loss. She was awarded a check of $200 and a gift certificate from T/R’s Steaks and More.
As part of our fitness plan this year, teams were formed to “Walk Across Texas.” These teams and solo walkers competed with each other to see who could walk the most miles over eight weeks. Their goal was to walk at least 830 miles (the distance from Longview to El Paso) during this time period.
At the conclusion of the 8 week program, the teams and individuals walked a total of 12,072 miles with The Shelby County Steppers team walking 3,255 miles and placing first in the team category. This team is comprised of Cynthia Howard, team captain, Ann Grant, DeShun Gregory, Sheila Reeves, Debbra Johnson, Sherri Felder, Jennifer Gillaspie, and Tara Baylor.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the following sponsors who supported this program and made it possible: Nacogdoches Medical Center, Cline Family Medicine, Monco Motors, Piney Woods Outreach Center, Oceano Spa, T/R’s Steaks and More, and Light and Champion.
“Overall, this was a great way to lose some weight and learn how to make positive lifestyle changes,” said Jheri-Lynn McSwain, County Extension Agent. McSwain added, “I’m so proud of all the participants in this year’s class. They worked very hard to meet their weight loss goals and to become more physically active – and the results show.” If you have questions about these wellness programs, please contact Jheri-Lynn McSwain, County Extension Agent – Family & Consumer Sciences at 598-7744 or jlmcswain@ag.tamu.edu.
