The next event was "Less of Me at OCCC". Rules were based on The Biggest Loser reality show. Employees set weight loss goals and weighed in weekly. Each week throughout the 3-month challenge we had a Lunch-and-learn session on topics ranging from diabetes, eating healthier, and getting more active. Employees attending the sessions had their names entered into drawings for free gifts. At the end of the 3-month challenge, employees had lost over 700 pounds! The grand prize winner received two tickets to the upcoming OU/OSU football game.
We also participated in the Wear Your Tennis Shoes to Work Day. Employees could wear their tennis shoes to work and join on one of the 3 walks we had around the indoor walking trail at OCCC. We also cooked up some great heart healthy recipes, and after the noon walk, sampled some of the delicious food. Our cafeteria also started a new healthy options menu and they featured some of these options during the sampling.
Right now, we are in the middle of our Tour de Route 66 challenge, based on the Tour de France bike race. Each employee participating has a bike and a jersey number. They chose to compete on one of the three courses of Route 66 as it travels through the great state of Oklahoma. Each week, they turn in the minutes exercised that week. It can be anything from swimming, walking, running, bike riding, aerobic class, weightlifting, etc. For each 10 minutes of exercise, they receive 2 miles on the course. As they pass through one of the towns on the map, they get opportunities to answer trivia questions about the town or Route 66 for extra miles. We also will have three Lunch-and-learn sessions during the challenge and those that attend get extra miles on the course. Our competition is set to end August 13. The first ones to cross the finish lines will be the grand prize winners.
Other things we are offering through our wellness program is Weight Watchers at Work. We will start the next session on August 24. Employees sign up for the 16-week session and agree to attend at least 80% of the meetings. In return, the college will pay 1/2 of their membership dues.