July 29, 2005

Be Fit II: A big success in second phase

Since February, MGHers from 12 departments throughout the hospital have learned to eat healthier and exercise more with the guidance of the Be Fit program — sponsored by the Clubs at Charles River Park and MGH Nutrition and Food Services. Teams from MGH Administration, Patient Care Services Executives, Nursing, Social Services, Speech and Language, and Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy celebrated the completion of phase two of the program with an awards ceremony July 26 at the Clubs.

"Expanse Management," the MGH Administration team, won the award for
most workouts and each member received an exercise tube as a prize to help them continue their commitment to working out. "Movers and Shakers," the Patient Care Services Executives team, won for most improved and will receive a half-hour fitness session with Kate Brill-Daley, manager of the Clubs. The Nursing team, "The Mini-Me's," was the most motivated team and will receive a half-hour nutrition session with Lillian Sonnenberg, DSc, RD, senior manager of Ambulatory Nutrition Services. "Social Lights," the Social Services team, ate the most Be Fit meals and will receive a catered Be Fit meal. The Speech and Language team, "NPO," was named the "Comeback Kids" and will receive a Be Fit social hour at the Clubs. The most weight loss prize — a poolside barbecue lunch at the Clubs — went to the "Rehabilitators," Physical Therapy/Occupational Therapy team.

Members of the Expanse Management team

With help and support from assigned personal trainers and registered dieticians, the six teams from Be Fit II lost 545 pounds during the 12-week program, worked out a total of 4,976 times and consumed 862 Be Fit meals — formerly known as Nutralert meals. "The Be Fit program was an amazing opportunity to enhance staff morale and energy," said Bonnie Zimmer, MSW, a member of the Social Lights team. "Through Be Fit, our department has had fun, shared a common goal and developed a sense of pride that was unexpected."

In total, all 12 teams including those from phase one — Buildings and Grounds, Environmental Services, Materials Management, Human Resources, Nutrition and Food Services and members of the Clubs — lost a total of 1,126.5 pounds, worked out a whopping 7,877 times and ate 2,469 healthy meals from the Eat Street Cafe.

Be Fit III will kick-off in September. To learn more about the program, visit www.clubsatcrp.com.