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This year, Antelope Memorial Hospital's "Move it 2 Lose it Challenge" was held for 10 weeks, from Jan. 8 through March 18. It was coordinated by Vanessa Carpenter, AMH wellness director. A total of 504 pounds were collectively lost by the 53 contestants, consisting of eight men, 25 women and five teams of four.

In the men's division, the first-place winner was Dr. Troy Dawson, losing 15.8% of his total body weight. Other winners included Tim Kester, Clearwater, second place and Darrel Timm, Neligh, third place.

"During the contest, I paid closer attention to what I ate and exercised more than usual," said Dawson. "Participating in the competition really helped me to stay on track in reaching my goals. Plus, the routine texts from Vanessa were very encouraging and helpful too."

Winners in the women's division included first place, anonymous; Peggy Green, Neligh, second and Joyce Blackmore, Royal, third.

Team division winners were the Fat Bottom Girls, collectively losing 8.8% of their total body weight. Its members included Heather Dawson, Amy Wright, and Diann Arehart, of Neligh, and Christie Counts of Tilden.

All team members are AMH clinic employees.

"I feel the contest really helped me to succeed," said Heather Dawson. "When you are part of a team, your TeamMates help to encourage and support you in reaching your goals. You don't want to let them down. And being competitive, it drives you to do your best to win! I think Vanessa was also very helpful in offering tips along the way. If we were struggling, she provided feedback on possible reasons and solutions for it while encouraging us to keep going."

The second-place team was the Flabulous Four, all members of AMH's physical therapy department, consiting of Corrie Reynolds and Sarah Carlin, Neligh; Ryan Gallagher, Norfolk; and Brenda Sokol, Verdigre.

The third-place team was Tachy & Unstable," and included AMh employees Trish Murray and Megan Funk, Neligh; Crystal Smith, Meadow Grove; and Alexa Brandt, Orchard.

Courtesy photo

Dr. Troy Dawson took the top prize in the mens' division of the Move It 2 Lose It Challenge, sponsored by Antelope Memorial Hospital.

"This was my first year leading the challenge and I was pleased with the turnout of contestants," said Carpenter. "It was awesome to see the competition between participants in all categories. It was also exciting to see the results at the end of every week and to be involved in everyone's weight loss journey. Some of the participants who were a little apprehensive about joining the challenge - ended up surprising themselves by how much weight they lost. That was rewarding to see."

Prize donations were made by Antelope Memorial Hospital, AMH Wellness, Overland Rehab, Snider Custom Cuts, Old Mill Truck Sales, Tinsley Grain, 319 Graphics, Neligh Eye Physicians, P.C., Thriftway Market, Clearwater Market, blood Pharmacy, Subway and Cubby's.