Hospital Nursing Staff Loses 400 Pounds to Date on Jenny Craig Weight Loss Program

    CARLSBAD, Calif., May 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Weight loss leader
 Jenny Craig is demonstrating the importance of obtaining a more healthful
 weight to professionals who aren't always able to practice what they preach
 -- hospital nurses.
     Between long hours and hectic schedules, many nurses find it
 challenging to incorporate nutritional eating and consistent physical
 activity into their daily routines. All too often, they're so committed to
 taking care of their patients that they don't take good enough care of
 themselves. In fact, according to a recent CDC Nurses Health Study, nurses
 are more likely to be obese than the average American, with an alarming 25
 percent of them not exercising at all.
     To both celebrate and educate these self-sacrificers, Jenny Craig
 launched a first-of-its kind initiative this February -- the Jenny Craig
 Nurses' Program -- providing complimentary weight loss programs to more
 than 40 nurses at Harlem's North General Hospital. While participating in
 the program, the nurses share their personal experiences with men and women
 across the country through online journals, web forums and updated photos.
     As part of National Nurses Week, May 6 through 12, Jenny Craig will
 officially kick off its Nurses' Program with a luncheon at North General
 Hospital in Harlem on May 9, hosted by "American Idol" superstar Kimberley
 Locke. Locke will perform her hit single "Change," which has provided
 inspiration to the nurses throughout their weight loss experiences. A Jenny
 Craig client herself, Locke understands the dedication needed to lose
 weight and to take on the challenge of living more healthfully.
     "Change is exactly what I've learned to do, and I hope the positive
 results I've achieved through Jenny Craig serve as encouragement for these
 incredible women," said Locke. "Not only have I learned proper portion
 control and ways to work off calories without going to a gym, I've also
 learned that creating healthy habits is an ongoing process that can reap
 long-term benefits."
     According to Jenny Craig Chief Nutritionist, Lisa Talamini, "Our Jenny
 Craig Nurses' Program offers these wonderful caregivers the opportunity to
 incorporate healthy eating and exercise behaviors into their busy
 lifestyles. From what we've seen, they are extremely dedicated to improving
 their health, and are just as committed to being positive role models for
 their patients. As a group, they've already lost more than 400 pounds, and
 their goal is to ultimately lose a combined 1,800 pounds."
     "I want to look and feel better before I turn 50 years old in
 December," explained Romona Smith, Registered Nurse at North General
 Hospital. Romona has attempted to lose weight in the past, but feels that
 the Jenny Craig Nurses' Program offers her a new opportunity and a fresh
 start. Fellow RN Dilcia Ortega signed up because she wanted to join her
 colleagues and feel better about her appearance. "I want to wear size 8
 clothes and go out."
     Regardless of their reasons for enrolling, the nurses have come
 together to form a community of encouragement, support and motivation.
     For more information about the Jenny Craig Nurses' Program, go to:
 http://www.jennycraig.com/ngn.
 
 

SOURCE Jenny Craig