Competition In Virginia Encourages People To Be Healthy

Employees from several Virginia entities are taking the initiative to lead healthier lifestyles.As Chris Buckley reports, by turning it into a competition, there's some real incentive to make positive - and permanent - changes. Employees from the city of Virginia, Virginia Public Utilities, and the Virginia Regional medical center are participating in their version of the NBC television series "the Biggest Loser."Organizers say it's not a strictly a weight loss program, it's about replacing bad habits with healthy ones Last year the city and the PUC did something similar and the 25 participants lost a combined 275 pounds in the 3 month period.This year, with the hospital adding their team, there's 85 participants doing their part to commit to healthy habits. "Having the hospital in the program has made a big difference because we have use of their facilities, excellent speakers that work here from the diet and exercise department, and access to a lot more resources." 5 weeks into the program, VRMC participant Debora Lekatz who works in pulmonary rehab, has lost ten pounds and says it's a new way of life and the best part is the competition and the camaraderie.


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