“I’m in. Let’s do this thing.”
That’s the catchy phrase to get you to sign up for the United Way’s Biggest Loser contest. It’s a new initiative to bring awareness to the importance of healthy eating and lifestyle choices in an effort to impact the high rates of obesity and related health issues in Florence County.
After a couple days of contemplation and encouragement from my wife, I signed up last week. In addition, with the support of the publisher and editor, I suggested that I would “check in” once a week not only with the United Way but also with the readers of the Morning News. I’m a finance professional by trade, but with a little (lot of) editing help, I thought I could put together a respectable article.
After many years of losing a few pounds but gaining back more, the team aspect of this contest now will make me accountable.
Charles Saverance also signed up, and he noted “the competition” will drive him. I agree! I really don’t know Charles, but I quickly got a sense of his competitiveness. He was standing by me when I told United Way of Florence County President E.J. Newby that if I win the $1,000 grand prize, I would donate half of the winnings back to United Way. Charles immediately said, “I’ll donate it all.” I couldn’t let him one up me before we started, so I matched him. Game on, Mr. Saverance!
From a health standpoint, excess weight can cause heart disease and stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes and more. That is not good news for someone like me who has a wife and two young daughters who need me to be around for many years to come. I won’t disclose my weight, but I will tell you I’m north of 300 pounds and south of 400 pounds. That would be fine if you were 8 feet tall, but I’m 6-foot-3.
The contest is for a 10-week period, starting on Feb. 13. Registration runs through Feb. 7, or until the first 60 contestants sign up. You can sign up by visiting the United Way’s office at 1621 W. Palmetto St. or through the organization’s website: burnandlearnflorence.com.
As of late Friday, United Way community resource manager Stephanie Navarro said there are only about 25 spots remaining. The cost is $150, but you get free McLeod Health & Fitness Center membership during the 10 weeks, plus free nutritional and weight training. Now that is a deal. Come on now. Let’s do this thing.
I wish all contestants success. This promises to be a fun but very challenging contest. I’m looking forward to meeting my team.
Thank you to the United Way and supporting sponsors for addressing the obesity issue in Florence.
— John McElwee is the regional controller at the Morning News. Email him at [email protected].
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