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County will support hospital's Lighten Up 4 Life program

By Mike Conley | The McDowell News

Published: November 12, 2009

The McDowell Hospital wants folks to lose weight and exercise more through the Lighten Up 4 Life program. And county officials said they would do their part by offering the use of the local government channel and even forming their own weight loss team.
During the regular Monday meeting, the McDowell County Commissioners heard a presentation from Cara LaFon, practice manager with the hospital, about the Lighten Up 4 Life program. LaFon said it's more than just a weight loss program. It also seeks to increase awareness of the need for better nutrition and more physical activity.
Lighten Up 4 Life is a successful community weight loss effort started in 2008 by Mission Health System in Buncombe County. The McDowell Hospital has begun to introduce this program in the local area.
"We do see this as a communtywide endeavor," said LaFon. "We want to make McDowell County a physically fit community."
The launch date for the effort is set for Jan. 4. For the rest of 2010, teams throughout the county will strive to lose weight and get more exercise. The team that loses the greatest percentage of weight by Aug. 20, 2010 will win a grand prize.
To help promote the effort, county officials have offered the use of the local government channel for nutritional educational programming. At Monday's meeting, the commissioners agreed to endorse the local Lighten Up 4 Life and even form their own weight loss team.
"We need to lead by example here," said Commissioner Andy Webb.
In other business, the McDowell County Commission:
· Approved the idea of forming a McDowell Housing Partnership Coalition. The coalition would start meeting in January to come up with a plan to solve McDowell's housing needs. The coalition would work under the authority of the local Council on Aging. County officials said a need certainly exists in McDowell concerning senior citizens and the disabled who live in houses that are in constant of need of repair and maintenance. The Department of Social Services will assist in this effort.
· Agreed to transfer the badge and sidearm to Gene Patrick, who is retiring from the Sheriff's Office.