Healthplex Steps Up to Help State Lawmakers Lead the Way to Lose Weight

Contact: Robby Channell, 601-968-5135 rchannell@mbhs.org

Jackson, Miss. – January 24, 2006 - The ongoing effort to spread the “Spirit of Healthcare” across our community continues into 2006. The Baptist Healthplex is supporting the state’s efforts to challenge Mississippi’s lawmakers to lead the way for citizens to lead a healthier lifestyle.

On January 19, 2006, House of Representatives Public Health Chairman Steve Holland challenged legislative counterpart Senate Public Health Chairman Alan Nunnelee to “weigh down” by eating less and moving towards a healthy lifestyle for 10 weeks.

Spearheaded by the Mississippi State Department of Health, “Weigh Down Mississippi” is a friendly competition between House and Senate members to walk at least 10,000 steps per day for 10 weeks. The Baptist Healthplex is offering memberships and personal assessments to legislatures accepting this challenge.

"As public health policy makers, it is time for us to step up to the plate and set an example to our peers and our fellow Mississippians that a healthy lifestyle will, and can, improve the overall quality of life for our state," said Holland. "I challenge Senator Nunnelee and my legislative peers to make a personal commitment to this initiative. May the best chamber win.”

"I embrace this opportunity on behalf of myself and my fellow legislative peers," said Senator Nunnelee. "I am excited to participate in such an event and look forward to seeing who makes a firm commitment to this healthy initiative all the way to the finish line."

Baptist President and CEO Kurt W. Metzner and Mississippi State Department of Health Preventive Health Director Victor Sutton joined Representative Holland and Senator Nunnelee at a press conference to kick-off the challenge. Each legislature was given a pedometer to use during the competition to record the number of steps taken as they move and lose weight.

For more information visit www.healthyms.com.

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