Hospitals in Action >> Case Examples

MEMORIAL HOSPITAL AND MANOR, Bainbridge, GA
Team Lean

What is it?
An innovative community-wide program, Team Lean is a 12-week weight-loss competition among five-person teams. After two successful Team Lean competitions for its employees, Memorial Hospital and Manor approached the Bainbridge/Decatur County YMCA about working together to offer a Team Lean competition to the entire community.

The team approach to weight loss proved to be a positive motivator, along with weekly weigh-ins and the chance to win some cash - the first Team Lean community competition helped more than 1,000 participants lose a total of 16,154 lbs. in 12 weeks. Adding to the success of the competition, the YMCA waived its initial membership fee for each Team Lean participant who joined during the competition, and the hospital gave free blood screenings to measure cholesterol and glucose at the beginning and end of the competition. The average cholesterol decreased by 8 points, the average triglycerides decreased by 30 points, and the average glucose decreased by 4 points. Free educational programs about nutrition and exercise were held for Team Lean participants. A new Team Lean competition will begin in January 2008.

Who is it for?
The entire community.

Why do they do it?
At a time when most hospitals are actively involved in treating obesity-related diseases, Memorial Hospital and Manor is taking a proactive role in addressing this epidemic by creating the Team Lean program.

Contact: Jan Godwin
Director of Public Relations/Volunteer Services
Telephone: 229-243-6187
Email: jang@mh-m.org