SCALE BACK ALABAMA KICKS OFF IN 2 WEEKS

Contact: Angela Green, Communications Specialist
334-382-4904

January 4, 2012 Greenville, AL-- “Scale Back Alabama” is a 10-week weight-loss contest and Pioneer Electric Cooperative is looking for teams of four people to participate.  Beginning Jan. 23, local residents are invited to sign up for the statewide weight-loss contest. Now in its sixth year, the 10-week contest is an attempt to encourage Alabamians to lose weight, to exercise and to have fun while doing it.  Last year’s campaign drew more than 33,000 people in almost every county with a cumulative reported weight loss of 143,309 pounds.

“The new year is a perfect time to think about establishing good habits that will make you healthier,” said Pioneer Electric Spokesperson, Angela Green.  “ This is the fourth year Pioneer Electric has served as a weigh in site and we're excited to take part in this event again.  All you have to do to participate in is find three individuals to be on your team and come to Pioneer Electric the week of Jan. 23 to weigh in and register.  The contest is free, and there are cash prize drawings at the end.”

According to Green, the goal is to lose a pound a week during the 10-week period.  “We’re really encouraging healthy weight loss, not crash dieting,” added Green.  “Throughout the contest participants will be provided with tips such as how to eat healthier portions and how to make exercise a part of their normal routine.  The contest is geared toward adults age 18 and older, and we are particularly encouraging businesses and other organizations to participate and get involved as a weigh in site.”

To sign up, go to Pioneer Electric Cooperative located at 300 Herbert Street in Greenville during the week of January 23-27 between the hours of 7:30am-3:30pm and after hours on Thursday, January 26th from 5pm-7pm.  Then, at the end of the contest, you will have to do one final weigh in at the same site.  You are not required to weigh out as a group.

For every team member who completes the contest and loses at least 10 pounds, his/her name will be placed in a drawing for one of 50 state prizes of $100 each.  For every team that completes the 10-week period, with each team member losing at least 10 pounds, the team name will be placed in a drawing for one of three grand prizes.  The first team drawn will win $250 per team member, the second team drawn will win $500 each, and the third team drawn will win $1,000 each.  And, for everyone who loses at least one pound and weighs out, there will be a drawing for five participation prizes of $50 each.

For more information, contact Angela Green 334-382-4904 or by email at agreen@pioneerelectric.com or go to www.scalebackalabama.com for other weigh-in locations and a complete list of guidelines.

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Scale Back Alabama is a public awareness campaign hosted by Alabama ‘s hospitals and the Alabama Department of Public Health, with generous support from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. For more information, go to www.scalebackalabama.com.