For Immediate Release
December 28, 2006
Contact: Laura Buffum
732-751-7537
lbuffum@meridianhealth.com

MERIDIAN HEALTH EMPLOYEES LOSE 1,773.4 POUNDS FOR FIT TO WIN PROGRAM

Neptune, NJ - Meridian Health is not only dedicated to the well being of those who live in Monmouth and Ocean Counties; but the healthcare corporation also proved to be committed to their employees health by launching it’s annual Fit to Win Program which challenged employees to lose weight by exercising and eating healthy under the direction of personal trainers, exercise physiologists, and fitness specialists from Meridian’s exercise and rehabilitation facility, Life Fitness. With support from physicians, managers, coworkers, and family members, the 73 team members that competed lost a combined total of 1,733.4 pounds and 1,083 inches at the conclusion of this year’s program, which ran from August 7 through October 27.

In addition to achieving a healthier life style, the motivating factor behind the weight loss plan was a five day cruise to the Caribbean, awarded to the five winning team members and a guest of their choice from each of Meridian’s sites, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Ocean Medical Center, Riverview Medical Center, and Corporate/Partner Companies. Also, the team members received fitness center memberships, heart rate monitors, and Lose for Life Fitness program memberships for the length of the competition. Approximately $1,300 was spent per team member by Meridian to help employees achieve their fitness goals.

Wendy Edelson, RN, MA, director of Human Resources, which coordinated the Fit to Win program, of Meridian Health, explained “Fit to Win encourages a healthy life style in and outside of the work place. The benefits go beyond the three month competition because it taught the teams how to properly manage their lost weight and stay fit long term. Many teams still continue to improve their health by working out and eating healthy together.”

Wendy also added, “Fit to Win is a success for many reasons; but especially because of the support systems created within each team. It is always easier to achieve a goal when you have people at your side rooting you on or striving for the same thing. Next year,” she said, “Fit to Win will begin in March and last six months.”

All Fit to Win participants were thrilled with the results. Diane Gribbin, Internal Communications Manager of Meridian Health who participated in the event, said the competition was the motivation she needed to lose weight. “I’ve always done yoga to keep fit, but the more rigorous workout plan was what really helped me achieve my goal. Also, I changed my eating habits; which was much easier to do because I had my team, who was also eating healthy, around me.”

Those who won the Fit to Win cruise to the Caribbean were from Corporate: Trainer: Karen Gruendling, Julie Whelan, Purchasing, Team Captain; Marie MacKanic, Finance; Maureen Castor, Materials Mgmt.; Dawn Battaglia, Materials Mgmt.; and Lisa Leahy, Finance. From Jersey Shore, NICU, Trainer: Dori DeLear; Ina Paternostro, Team Captain; Kerriann Barrows; Pam Reinhardt; Jacqueline Talbot and Kathleen Gleason.

From Ocean Medical Center, Trainer: Renee Millemann; Carol Schengrund, Team Captain; Ann Marie McCallister; Nicole Fiedler; Patricia Navalance; and Lita Riccobina. From Riverview, the Operating Room staff, who nicknamed themselves the “The Double-stuffed Oreo’s” won. Team members included Margo Heckler, Trainer; Heather Hendra, Team Captain; Janette Parsons; Monica Jamison; Don Jardinico; and Abe Galang.

About Meridian Health
Meridian Health is a family of non-profit health care organizations comprised of Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, Ocean Medical Center in Brick, Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, and Partner Companies that include home care agencies, long-term and assisted living communities, ambulatory care, ambulance services, and occupational health located throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties. Meridian Health’s centers of excellence include cardiac care and surgery, orthopedics and rehabilitation, cancer care, and women and children’s health. Meridian Health is the regional provider of trauma services and cardiac surgery, which has been ranked among the top programs in New Jersey.

Meridian Health was the first health organization in the nation to achieve the prestigious Magnet designation for its nursing staff at each of its partner hospitals and is the top employer in Monmouth and Ocean counties. For more information, please call the Meridian Health Line at 1-800-560-9990 or visit www.meridianhealth.com.

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