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On January 16th, Susquehanna Health’s friendly weight-loss competition began with 108 teams comprised of 1,042 members. All four hospitals in the Susquehanna System participated in this challenge. The teams received encouragement and instruction from Susquehanna Health and Wellness educators, Jerrod M. Ferrence and Melissa Gundy.

“This program is not necessarily about weight loss,” said Jerrod, “it is about having fun and building rapport with the hospital and those in the community…it is about health and wellness.”

The knowledge participants gained not only supported them through the 16 week competition, but will continue help them in choosing a healthier lifestyle—hopefully, resulting in a lifelong impact.

The weight-loss competition ended on May 7th with the fifth and final weigh-in. Four of Wellsboro’s Soldiers and Sailors Hospital teams finished in the top ten for the “Pounds Lost” category. An additional four teams from Soldiers and Sailors Hospital also placed in the top ten for “Percent Fat Loss per Person.”

On May 13th at the Williamsport Regional Medical Center, Steve Johnson—President and CEO of Susquehanna Health—came to congratulate the winning teams. Overall, the first place winner for the “Pounds Lost” category is Williamsport Regional Medical Center’s “All About the Bass,” losing a total of 188.5 lbs. “All About the Bass” winning team members are: Rita Delgrippo, Rachel Ebeling, Rhonda Foster, Nancy Heimbach, Rebecca Koep, Kerry Sandly, Kathy Straub, Sue Styers, Richelle Walker, and Ann Weston.

The first place winner for “Percent Fat Loss” is also from the Williamsport Regional Medical Center. The winning team, “Ads to Abs,” lost a total of 3.79% body fat per person. The team members are: Keith Boyer, Amy Brink, Brian Engel, Teia Engel, Corinne McLaughlin, Shaylene Mordan, Amber Roudabush, Garrett Stager, Tonya Welshans, and Colette Wintersteen. In talking with the winners, it was obvious teamwork played a significant part in their win.

The total competition cumulative weight loss measured 5,418.50 lbs.

Happily, the encouragement to be “Susquehanna healthy” will not end with the weight-loss contest. Wellness educators Jerrod and Melissa affirmed that they will continue to initiate programs emboldening Susquehanna Health employees to stay Susquehanna healthy.