Could you be the “Biggest Loser?”

Pat Stoyka
Contributor

Bergland School is a buzz of activity on Monday evenings as we meet for our Biggest Loser contest.
April 10th was our first big weigh in. There were 48 registered participants and the total weight lost was 132.4 lbs. But some of us gained this week, a total of 24.4 lbs. but still giving us a net loss of 108 lbs.
Several stayed following the weigh in to exercise in the gym to fitness tapes . The Biggest Loser for our first weigh in was Fred (Giz) Jack with a loss of 9.8 lbs. Enthusiasm is running high & very contagious. Most are doing some daily exercise & making healthier food choices. Individuals have commented that they are feeling better, experiencing more energy and have already noticed a reduction in their blood pressure! Everyone's success spurs the others on.
We have a very caring, appreciative and supportive group.
There are several who have come as a family to participate and at least 12 couples as well as the many other individuals of various ages.

April 17th: We have gained 10 more members, bringing our total to 58. It is very nice that our program includes 11 men. The Biggest Loser this week was April Trenchard with a loss of 7.8 lbs.
Tonight we lost a total of 103.2 lbs. Interestingly enough, though it was a holiday weekend, we only gained 7.1 lbs. - A big improvement over last week's gain!
Our net loss this week is 96.1 lbs. so our total loss so far in the program is 204.1 lbs. After the weigh in and exercise in the gym some stayed to watch Oprah's very sobering video on cardio vascular disease in women, showing that 1 out of 2 women die from cardio vascular related diseases. It depicted very graphically what happens to the heart and other organs when one suffers from CVD. The strong message was that this information is a wake up call and it is never too late to change our lifestyle.
This supports the purpose of our group which is to lose weigh by regular exercise and healthy eating. It is evident from the progress our group has made so far that we are working toward that goal.
I am absolutely overwhelmed by the number of individuals who have registered for this program. I had not anticipated such a tremendous response!
We eagerly look forward to see what we achieve both individually and as a group by the time we complete this first 12 week program. We are already hearing many positive comments about resuming in the fall for a second 12 week program after a break for the summer.
To: editorial@rainyriverrecord.com
Sent: Monday, March 27, 2006 12:32 AM
Subject: Article Biggest Loser

(Ken - Is it possible to have this article put in this week's issue of the RR Record?)
I am not able to get into Rainy River in time to personally bring it in as I am teaching in other parts of the district until Thursday.) Pat Stoyka
Biggest Loser Contest
Inspired by the success of a neighbouring community and their weight loss and program for healthy living, as well as by the reality weight-loss show "The Biggest Loser", a program for our own Biggest Loser contest will begin on Monday, April 3rd and continue for 12 weeks ending June 19th. The registration fee is $15. The program will be at the McCrossen-Tovell School in Bergland beginning with a weigh in at 7:00 p.m. An exercise program will follow for those who are interested in participating. For 12 weeks participants will compete to see who can lose the most weight. Our goal is to support and inspire one another in attaining individual goals and competing good-naturedly with each other to lose weight by healthy eating and regular exercise. There will be a grand cash prize for the Biggest Loser at the finale of the program. Each week there will also be an incentive prize for the Biggest Loser of the week. This contest is open to men as well as women.
Donations will be gladly accepted from local businesses or interested parties to help support this healthy community event.
If you wish to register ahead of time, please contact Pat Stoyka at 488-5591 or email her at pstoyka@jam21.net