The Johnsonian

Issue date: 1/17/07 Section: News

Media Credit: Phillip Reynolds

Russell Felder hopes to lose at least 35 pounds by March. The senior theater and mass communication double major filled out a form Thursday in Dinkins that may help him do just that.

"I needed something to motivate me to get into shape," Felder said. "I got tired of looking at my belly all the time. If I can shrink it down a little, I'll be happy."

That motivation, Felder hopes, will come from a program that helped York County residents lose nearly 5,000 pounds last year.

York County Shrinkdown is a free health awareness program targeting local youth and adults with obesity and weightrelated issues. Students, faculty and staff at Winthrop comprised 2,204 of last year's 2,500 York County participants.

"When 59 percent of South Carolina residents report that they're overweight that's a problem," said York County community impact director, Debbie Hayworth of United Way.

A weekly Shrinkdown guide provides registered participants with information about nutrition, exercise and general health, while weight checks, counseling and health lectures are offered at on- and off-campus locations spanning Rock Hill, York, Clover, Fort Mill and Chester.

On-campus weigh-ins will take place in Peabody Gym on Thursdays from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m. and Fridays from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Felder, who participated in last year's Shrinkdown challenge, plans to dedicate more time and effort to the program this year by weighing in more regularly and following the health guides .

"I think if I stay dedicated I can actually do something positive with the program," Felder said.

Many Winthrop staff members are also participating in the event.

"I think that our health is important and we all need to eat healthier and change our lifestyles," administrative specialist and Shrinkdown participant Debbie Ciepielo said after this year's kick-off.  "I need to shrink down, but I'm participating more for health reasons."

Registered participants are able to track their own progress as well as the collective progress in York County with a pin number and password at yorkcountyshrinkdown.com. A participant's own status is confidential, but the total number of pounds lost in the county are calculated and posted on a real-time basis.

The final Shrinkdown celebration will be held on March 17 from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the YMCA on Charlotte Avenue in Rock Hill. The event will be family-focused with games, exhibits and chances to win free YMCA memberships, gift cards and gift certificates.

The program is sponsored by Winthrop, the Upper Palmetto YMCA and Piedmont Medical Center. Representatives say by following the weekly handouts, participating in the weekly Health Talks and incorporating physical activity and healthy eating into their lifestyles, participants may lose weight. York County YMCA branches are waiving the joining fee this month to complement the fitness program.

All ages are encouraged to register anytime from Thursday's kickoff until March.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools