Press Release: Thumbs Up Health Kick-Off - January 6th

West Jefferson Medical Center has teamed up with the Budget Saver grocery for a new community outreach called Thumbs Up Health! to take place on Fridays from 11AM until 1PM in the store located at 1951 Barataria Boulevard.

Want to lose 10 in 2010? “We can help, but first things come first,” Christina Mamolo of the West Jeff Fitness Center says. “Start the New Year off with a plan to turn your resolutions into reachable goals that will keep your resolve strong and on track for success.”

Budget Saver owner Wanda Laborie and Mamolo invite the community to the Thumbs Up kick-off to be held on January 6, 2010 —just two days before the program’s official start. “I’m excited about Budget Saver and West Jefferson Medical Center teaming up to help shoppers learn more about food, nutrition and fitness,” Budget Saver owner Wanda Laborie, adds. “We’re families committed to helping families have a healthier new year. The January 6 kick-off coincides with King Cake day. We’re celebrating by helping kick off the program and inviting shoppers to sample a slice of healthier king cake at the store.”

According to Mamolo, the January 6 kick off at the store will include:

A Fun Walk and Jump Rope Event Registration begins at 10:45 AM jump rope included (Registration fee: $5 to benefit the West Jefferson Hospital Foundation Care House) Chair Exercise Class at 11AM Free Blood Pressure Screenings Presentation and samples of West Bank's 'largest "Healthier" King Cake' at 12 Noon Door Prizes and More

Every Friday, the Thumbs Up Health team from West Jeff and the West Jeff Fitness Centers will head to the Budget Saver grocery at Barataria Boulevard and Lapalco. The Team will present free interactive learning sessions with shoppers, screenings and more all designed to encourage individuals to get on track with healthier food selections and preparation as well as be as active as they can be. “This program is brought to you by West Jefferson Medical Center’s Cardiac Service Line and the West Jeff Fitness Centers,” Mamolo says. “Shoppers will get the chance to speak with registered dietitians and exercise specialists as well as other health professionals,” adds Mamolo, mastered prepared in wellness promotion.

“I hope you will consider incorporating these Friday visits into your personal calendars wherever possible so you can interact with knowledgeable healthcare professionals as you are making your food selections,” Cardiologist E. Kenneth Kerut says. “As a result, learning how to make healthier choices can become an active process easily integrated in your weekly routine.”

Every other Thumbs Up Health! Friday will feature a registered dietitian discussing cooking topics for a (healthier) change. Alternate Fridays will highlight an exercise specialist offering Thumbs Up Health! challenges and exercise and wellness tips.

Fifth Fridays will feature surprise health topics. Shoppers taking part in the Thumbs Up Health! program are eligible for a free recipe bookbinder. The Thumbs Up Health! Team will issue the free recipe binders challenging shoppers to fill it with the weekly healthy recipes and wellness tips. The schedule of topics and activities for Thumbs Up Fridays including the big Thumbs Up Health! Challenge will be posted in the grocery as well as published on the Medical Center’s website at www.wjmc.org