GRUNDY CENTER — Grundy County Memorial Hospital (GCMH) is beginning new sessions of their Medical Weight Management program, entitled “New You.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2007, 26.9% of Iowans were obese. All across Iowa people are taking action to lose weight, decreasing the health concerns of heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death and disability for people in the U.S. Make the time now to do something about excess weight.

Both a morning and an evening class will be available to help you with your weight loss goals. Classes begin Tuesday June 2nd at 5:30 p.m. and Thursday June 4th at 6:30 a.m. Both classes will be held at the GCMH Education Room. Classes are scheduled to end in August.

How successful is the Medical Weight Management program? Graduates of the first sessions held January 2008 at GCMH lost an average of 15.3 lbs. and the graduates this fall from Grundy and Eldora lost an average of 12.7 lbs.! Spring 2009 participants lost an average of 17.54#. For some, this was their goal. All have developed lifelong habits to continue to maintain or reach their new goals.

Just like any changes, the hardest things are getting started, being ready to learn and facing your fears. “It took me 20 years to gain weight, and just one year to lose 40 pounds,” says one “New You” graduate, “You have to learn to believe in yourself and keep looking ahead. If I can do it, anyone can,” she says. Another graduate says, “I am maintaining and feeling good! I sleep better and had my blood pressure checked and it is lower than it has been in years!”

Are you ready for a “New You?” For more information or to register please contact the GCMH dietitian, Wendy Brewer at 319-824-5421. Pre-registration is needed and space may be limited. For information on other GCMH services please visit our web site at http://www.GrundyCountyHospital.org