For the week ending Aug. ….

For the week ending Aug. 11 Wa-Rite members lost a total of 15.5 pounds. The top loser prize was shared by Marshia Larson and Denise Stabile, each losing 2.5 pounds. Larson has increased her workouts and avoids certain foods. Stabile is an avid believer in the benefit of exercise and commitment to her morning routine, and owes last week’s success to adding an evening workout. She is also one of two members who met their weight loss goals and is eligible to receive her bachelor’s degree from Wa-Rite. Just like other members, Stabile looks forward to the club’s support as she transitions to maintaining her final weight goal.

Club member’s Henrietta Peavy efforts also qualified her for a Wa-Rite degree. She will have an opportunity to speak about her success at the first meeting of September, when the degree program will take place.

Club president Judy Chambers spoke on the topic of food as medicine based on the article “12 Foods with Extra Healing Power.” Along with nine other foods with medicinal applications, members learned about benefits of mustard on the bones, papaya to ease arthritis and bananas for depression and anxiety. Chambers also cautioned that not even something as benign sounding as taking advantage of certain foods to address improving health is not universally right for everyone. The club discussed specific instances when certain health issues or medications may not interact well with certain foods.

Next week’s topic will be on how to change habits to ease the transition to a healthier lifestyle.

Women interested in better health, more energy and some light-hearted camaraderie are welcome to visit up to three meetings for free before deciding to join.

—Denise Stabile