Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/253444
Tips Health 34 www.jobsfor teams.com JOBS for TEAMS | TCA Expands Health Competition's Scope & Renames It "Long-Haul Weight Loss Showdown" A fter sponsoring three highly successful weight-loss chal- lenges within the trucking industry, with more than 7,600 pounds lost, the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has now added a 30-week maintenance component. Combined with the initial 10 weeks of weight loss, the entire program will last for 10 months in 2014, and will be called the "Long-Haul Weight Loss Showdown." The expanded Showdown will bring together 12 teams of 12 people (a mix of professional truck drivers and staff) from TCA-member truckload carriers. Chal- lengers will partake in a moderate-carbo- hydrate, low-fat, moderate-protein menu plan, coupled with exercise, nutrition education, and lifestyle behavior change. The competition will be led by Lindora Clinic of Costa Mesa, California, a leading weight management provider that con- ducts the program for TCA. In addition to Lindora Clinic, Showdown sponsors include Cline Wood Agency of Leawood, Kansas, TravelCenters of America / Petro Stopping Centers of Westlake, Ohio, and HealthCheck360° of Dubuque, Iowa. Wrap text around Long-haul SM 300.jpg With several winners throughout the competition, the Showdown will determine which individual and which company can achieve the greatest percentages of weight loss – and then keep the weight off long term. To ensure the success of the initiative, support and guidance for each carrier's team, as well as each participant, will be emphasized. As with previous Showdowns, Lindora coaches will provide nutrition education, help boost morale, discuss obstacles, and record weight loss. They will personally call each participant at least 15 times throughout the 40-week program. "Losing weight is only half the battle; afterward, additional support is needed to successfully transition to a higher calorie diet," said Kathy Ayres, director of business development for Lindora Clinic. "After 42 years of coaching people, we've found that new lifestyle changes require 6-9 months of focus before becoming permanent habits." Besides maintenance, another new aspect of the Showdown will be the collection of blood samples from each participant, both before and after the 10-week weight- loss period. This will be coordinated by the experts from HealthCheck360°. The samples will be analyzed for differences in blood-sugar levels, cholesterol levels, Weight-loss challenge for motor-carrier drivers and staff incorporates new 30-week maintenance program JobsForTeams0214_HealthHelp.indd 1 1/6/14 1:45 PM