"Holiday Maintain, No Gain" program assists Med Center employees

Angie Kerndt, RD, LD (left); Kelly Bouska, PTA (seated); Joetta Redlin, MS, RD, LD (right)

Winneshiek Medical Center has begun a program to help its staff members keep off those extra pounds during the holidays.
 
The average American gains eight to ten pounds over the holiday season. Winneshiek Medical Center is helping staff avoid this unwanted weight gain by offering a wellness program entitled, "Holiday Maintain, No Gain."  
 
Program organizers Angie Kerndt, Kelly Bouska and Joetta Redlin have
developed the program to promote weight maintenance, not weight loss.  "The holiday season is challenging for many people," says Kerndt, a clinical dietitian at Winneshiek Medical Center.  "It is not a good time to begin a weight loss plan.  However, by making deliberate decisions about your activity level and the types of food you eat, you may avoid gaining extra pounds during the holiday season."
 
Until Friday, January 6th, Winneshiek Medical Center staff are being
challenged to exercise 30 minutes per day, five days a week, and eat a
minimum of five servings of fruits and/or vegetables every day.   Bouska
says, "Physical activity is beneficial in both large and small amounts.  If
staff cannot fit in 30 minutes at a time, we remind them that three
10-minutes sessions are effective as well."  
 
Although Holiday Maintain, No Gain is specifically for WMC staff, program
organizers encourage the public to consider weight maintenance, instead of weight loss, this holiday season.  Redlin suggests incorporating the program guidelines into a daily schedule.  "Few people take in the recommended dailyfruit and vegetable servings - they replace them with high calorie foods. You will make healthier selections if you commit to at least five fruit/vegetable servings every day, and make a plan of how to reach your goal." Redlin adds, "Everyone has individual health needs; be sure to talk to your doctor before beginning any new program."  
 
To learn more about weight maintenance, talk to your health care provider, or call the Winneshiek Medical Center Nutrition Services Department at 563-382-2911 to speak with a clinical dietitian.