2004 Greater Jackson Shrinkdown Plans Announced New Fit Kidz Program, Other Enhancements Added

Metro area residents will have the opportunity to start the new year off right at the popular Greater Jackson Shrinkdown Kickoff on Monday, January 5, 2004, at the Mississippi Trademart from 12 noon until 7 p.m.

For the third consecutive year, Central Mississippi Medical Center and the YMCA of Metropolitan Jackson are sponsoring the 8-week program designed to help people live healthier lifestyles and lose weight.

This year, the free program will include a special component entitled Fit Kidz, designed for ages 6 through 17. Parents must accompany children they want to enroll in the Fit Kidz Program, and give written permission for their registration and participation.

In addition to the new childrenÕs program, new menus and weekly nutrition and exercise materials have been added to the adult educational packets that will be distributed at the kickoff and weekly weigh-ins.

"We are very excited about Fit Kidz. Childhood obesity is a serious problem in Mississippi. Our partnership with the YMCA and the Greater Jackson Shrinkdown program provides us with a wonderful opportunity to reach children with their parents as both work together to achieve healthier lifestyles. We have planned kickoff events that will be fun for children, hopefully inspiring them to eat right and engage in healthy activities. The Kidz Korner will include food taste tests, line dancing, and a fun station called "Play with Your Food" along with a number of fitness stations " said Keba Stampley Laird, MBA, RD, dietitian at Central Mississippi Medical Center.

Last year, the 5,620 participants in the program lost a total of 10,232 pounds. Along with the educational materials, participants can join in a comprehensive schedule of fitness activities, health screenings and seminars scheduled at the YMCA branches throughout the 8-week program.

"We have a number of different special exercise classes scheduled throughout each week of the Shrinkdown to help people get moving as well as group walking classes at the Clinton Y on Saturdays. All of these activities will involve low impact exercises to help those who have not been accustomed to regular exercise get started," said Scot Long, MSS, CSCS, Director of Corporate Wellness for the YMCA of Metropolitan Jackson.

Participants can register as individuals or as members of corporate teams. Corporate teams will compete against other businesses to see which business has the most successful participation.

For more information, contact the YMCA at 601-948-0818 or visit the Greater Jackson Shrinkdown website at www.shrinkdown.com.

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For more information contact:

Pam Sultan, VP of Marketing,
YMCA of Metropolitan Jackson
601-948-0818

or

Rachel Crews, Marketing Coordinator,
Central Mississippi Medical Center
601-376-1056