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Lose to Win program now becomes HELP by Kristin McDaniel MUSC Dietetic Intern As thoughts of 2008 New Year’s resolutions emerge, MUSC’s dietetic interns are ready to help with the most popular resolution of losing weight and becoming healthier.   The established six-week Lose to Win program, which helps people get a jump start on weight loss, this year comes with a new name and several new twists. Now called HELP (Healthy Eating and Lifestyle Plan), this program promotes an overall healthier lifestyle rather than just focusing on the temporary weight loss competition.   HELP officially begins Jan. 14 and will continue until Feb. 25. Participants will receive weekly newsletters and will be encouraged to participate in weekly classes. Classes will include topics such as Nutrition 101: Back to Basics, Portion Distortion, Substitutions in Cooking, Small Steps to Smart Goals, Grocery Shopping Tips, and Nutrition and the Media.   Along with the newsletters and classes, there will be chances to win prizes throughout the competition. Prizes include gift baskets from Earth Fare and the Charleston Food and Wine Festival. Participants will be eligible for gift certificates from local establishments including Charleston Cooks, Gold’s Gym and Dick’s Sporting Goods, just to name a few.   At the end of the competition, grand prizes will be awarded to the participants who earned the most points based on class attendance, largest percentage change in weight and body fat, and several more categories. Pre-registration begins Dec. 12 at Wellness Wednesday and will continue through Jan. 9.   Those interested in registering should stop by the Wellness Wednesday table in the lobby of Children’s Hospital (in front of the gift shop) Dec. 12. All registrations received before Jan. 9 will receive a $5 discount off of the $25 registration fee. The program will officially begin with a weigh-in Jan. 14 and will be completed with a weigh-out Feb. 25. Remember these dates for HELP Dec. 12: Pre-registration begins; sign up for only $20 at Wellness Wednesday Jan. 9: Last day for pre-registration, sign up at Wellness Wednesday Jan. 14: HELP officially begins with weigh-in Jan. 21- Feb. 25: Classes will be held each week Feb. 25: Weigh-out Editor's note: The preceding column was brought to you on behalf of Health 1st. Striving to bring various topics and representing numerous employee wellness organizations and committees on campus, this weekly column seeks to provide MUSC, MUHA and UMA employees with current and helpful information concerning all aspects of health.     Friday, Dec. 7, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.