Employers Work Together in Community Weight Loss Challenge

Lighten Up Program Coincides with Annual Race

Murphy, NC  – Murphy Medical Center, the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, and The Cherokee Scout announced that their joint Lighten Up community weight-loss challenge will begin July 24. The eight-week program is for teams comprised of four people competing against other teams to lose the greatest percentage of weight. Teams can be made up of church members, community groups, business associates, or groups of friends banding together to make lifestyle improvements.

“There aren’t a lot of strict rules or regulations to follow in this challenge,” said Susi Brown, Murphy Medical Center’s Community Health Nurse and Lighten Up program coordinator. “We want this to be a collaborative, fun and supporting event for our employees and the community… and maybe we will all lighten up a bit!”

Event guidelines include: individuals following a healthy diet plan of their choice; exercising at least three times per week for at least 30 minutes per session; creating a team name; and reporting on the honor system the team’s beginning and ending overall weight to the Chamber of Commerce.

The competition awards teams that will have lost the greatest percentage of weight from start to finish. Prizes will be awarded and presented at Murphy Medical Center’s Two Hours from Anywhere 5K Challenge and Heart Walk on Saturday, September 19.