Arrow Meltdown Weight Loss Contest for Parents and Teachers

Sixteen parents and teachers in the Clinton Public School District are competing in a weight loss contest for a prize package worth more than $3,500.

“We announced the Arrow Meltdown weight loss contest before the Christmas holidays, and we received more than 65 applications from teachers and parents in our school district,” said Dr. Phil Burchfield, superintendent. “We were really blown away by the level of interest in this contest.”

The contest began the week of Jan. 18, with a kick-off meeting on Wednesday for all participants. Contestants are required to meet weekly for mini boot camps and weigh-ins, and are expected to follow fitness and diet plans. They must also keep food journals to monitor their diets. The winner will be announced on April 24, during the Healthy Family Day health fair on the grounds of Clinton High School.

The goal of Arrow Meltdown and other healthy lifestyle initiatives this semester, he said, is to encourage adults in the community to be better role models for children when it comes to healthy living. “Mississippi is ranked No. 1 in the country on the national obesity index,” said Patrick Conn, fitness director at the Baptist Healthplex at Mississippi College. “And obesity is linked to so many health problems, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disorders and joint problems, among other things. By losing weight, eating right and sticking to a regular exercise routine, we expect our Arrow Meltdown participants to see marked improvements in their health, have more energy and feel better in general.”

The contest is coordinated by the Baptist Healthplex. Registered Dietician Vickie Mascagni, who presented the idea for a weight loss contest to the Clinton Public School District’s health council, is developing healthy diet guidelines for Arrow Meltdown participants.

“I pushed for this because if we can get parents to model this positive behavior in front of their children, the children will benefit so much,” she said. “We want the teachers to model it, too, but the best role model, of course, is at home.”

“It was very hard for the selection committee to choose 16 people from all the applications we received, ” said Jan Cossitt, programs director at the Baptist Healthplex. “So many people expressed concerns over their health and every applicant said they wanted to set a good example for their children.
“We hope that as this contest goes along, spouses and children will provide motivation at home, and eat right and exercise right alongside our participants. We have a prize for the contest, but the bigger reward is improved health.”

Photo:
Arrow Meltdown participants are (front row, from left) Georgianna Wright, Pam Matthews, (second row, from left) Mary Ann Stotts, Kenisha Potter, Dixie McDonald, Shundra Jordan, Kelly Scribner, Charles G. Hill, (back row, from left) Greg Burgess, Shauna Peacock, Angela Thompson, Alicia Wilbanks, Tammy Carney, Kai’leen Gibbs and Eric Jonkman. Not pictured: Jennifer Nance