While many hope that 2018 will be a year of “big wins,” others have only one thing on their mind: losing. With the help from Scale Back Alabama, this resolution to “lose” might become possible. Scale Back Alabama is a free statewide weight-loss program. The goal of the program is to encourage Alabamians to eat healthy and lose weight in a way that is still enjoyable. Scale Back kicked off at Judson in the Riddle Gymnasium on January 22 with weigh ins, Zumba class, blood pressure screenings, healthy eating tips, and door prizes.
Judson has been a part of scale back since 2009. The program was first adopted only on campus, and later opened publicly for all of Perry County. Throughout the program, participants receive advice regarding their eating habits, and learn how to get active in ways other than the traditional way of going to the gym.
The contest requires teams of two participants. If both participants in a team have lost at least ten pounds at the end of the program, the team will be eligible for grand prize drawings. On April 17, grand prizes will be drawn: three first place teams will be drawn for $1,000 per team member, three second place teams will be drawn for $500 per team member, and three third place teams will be drawn for $250 per team member. Forty individual prizes will be given of $100 for individuals who complete the nine weeks contest and lose at least ten pounds (regardless of their team member).
Judson students have really enjoyed the program. In fact, many students have chosen to take part each year. Junior Jessica Thompson commented on 2018 being her second year to participate in Scale Back.
“I participate because I want to learn how to have a healthier lifestyle and break some old habits that I have become accustomed to,” says Thompson. Thompson has set a goal to lose fifteen pounds and is eager to learn about the healthy foods that she can use in her diet.
Senior Celicia Maynor has participated in Scale Back since she was a freshman at Judson. She uses the opportunity to continue to improve her health each year. “I had and still have health goals,” says Maynor. Maynor shared that she and her family have experienced health problems such as diabetes and high cholesterol. It was these issues that provided her with the rationale to take part in a program that encourages her to “lose weight and improve her overall health.” Maynor also believes that this program will provide her with useful information about diet and nutrition that she will utilize in her future career as a social worker. “I enjoy learning how to incorporate different types of self-care into my life,” says Maynor.
Since deadlines have already passed, no other registrations will be accepted or be eligible for the contest. However, those still wishing to start their weight loss journey can utilize health tips, and view information regarding registration for next year by visiting the official Scale Back website: https://scalebackalabama.com/
Do you know what a stirrup is? How about a bridle? What does the phrase tacking up mean? These are all questions I probably would have never thought to ask had I not attended the equestrian clinic that was held this semester. On October 4, 2017, I was invited by hunt seat team member Micaylee Clayton to join the Equine Science program as they welcomed guest Taylor McIntosh. Taylor is an American Quarter Horse Association Profession Horseman. His specialties are colt starting, competitive trail horses, and rope horses. Taylor first partnered with the Equine Science program during the spring of 2017, and has become an asset to the program ever since.
