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Tri-county promotes healthy weight loss  by Cindy Abole Public Relations As students and employees return to MUSC’s campus after the new year, some of them are resolving to lose weight. Meanwhile, more than 75 men and women in the Lowcountry are taking action on their New Year’s resolutions by committing to a unique fitness and weight-loss experience that will help them lose weight and achieve a healthier lifestyle.   Beginning Jan. 14, the Tri-county will begin its own “Biggest Loser” weight loss program when 11, seven-member teams will begin the MUSC Health Charleston Challenge. The challenge, considered the first of its kind in the Lowcountry, is a 10-week weight loss journey aimed at helping people get in shape and shed extra pounds. Organized through the MUSC Wellness Center, along with area businesses and sponsors committed to healthy living, this competitive weight loss program encourages fitness and exercise, personal nutrition and wellness through motivation and teaching of skills to help participants achieve and maintain healthy diet and exercise regimens.   “This is an exciting time for so many people involved in this effort,” said Janis Newton, Wellness Center program director. “These individuals are pumped up and ready to start the New Year right. They all are committed to better health, improved fitness, and healthy eating habits. It’s not easy to make some of these changes, but the MUSC Wellness Center staff is dedicated to improving the health and reducing chronic disease risk factors for all participants.”   Individuals, needing to lose 20 pounds or more, are committed to working out in teams and motivating each other to lose weight and be more active. Teams, will participate in workouts, personal training, nutrition consultations and other types of planned educational sessions. Teams will meet regularly with a personal trainer and other available professionals including a dietitian, exercise physiologist and other staff to assist them throughout their journey.   One winning team will be selected based upon the total percentage of body weight loss by its members.   Sponsors for this challenge have contributed more than $5,000 in cash, prizes and services from the Charleston County Parks and Recreation, MUSC Weight Management Center, the Sportsman’s Shop, Marine Repair Services, American Cancer Society, Anderson Insurance, Charleston Chef Enan Parezo of Meal Week, the Center for Therapeutic Massage, MUSC Boot Camp, Jason’s Deli, and Access Healthcare.   Readers can follow the progress made by challenge teams throughout their wellness journey through stories, tips and advice that will be featured regularly in The Catalyst through March and at http://www.musc.edu/hsc.     Friday, Jan. 11, 2008 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.