Contact: Liz Shaw                                                        FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Communication/Development Coordinator

St. Joseph’s Area Health Services

600 Pleasant Ave.

Park Rapids, MN  56470

218-237-5423

St. Joseph’s Center for Weight Management hosts

non-surgical weight-loss course

Wednesday, May 19, 2010, (Park Rapids, MN) – St. Joseph’s Center for Weight Management sponsors a non-surgical weight-loss program for anyone who is committed to losing weight and ready to take ownership of their lifestyle habits.

            This 15-week course is designed to incorporate medically-supervised, comprehensive weight management for motivated patients with a physician referral. Classes are facilitated by a registered dietitian, social worker, psychologist, and exercise physiologist.

            To qualify, participants must have a Body Mass Index of 26 or higher and be motivated to make necessary changes in their life.

            The LEARN course session focuses on Lifestyles, Exercise, Attitudes, Relationships, and Nutrition. Meeting sessions include checks on blood pressure, heart rate, and weight. Waist circumference measurements, body composition analysis, and physiological support are also available. Counseling and tracking measures are built into the support program with session notes and updates to be forwarded to your primary care provider.

            A new online support service additionally offers information and interaction for program participants.

            Cost to participate in the course is a $50 fee due prior to your group start date. A sliding scale fee can be implemented based on your income and household size. Group counseling will be billed separately.

            To find out more or to find out when the next LEARN class session starts, please call Amy at 218-237-5757.