800 Employees, One Incredible Journey – THE REVOLUTION
Six months ago, Cooper University Hospital began working with the new ABC daytime show, The Revolution. The show was seeking nurses to feature in an upcoming show, that would give people in careers that involve caring for others the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work with celebrity co-hosts to take control of their lives, lose weight, and regain self control. More than 60 Cooper nurses auditioned to participate and in October 2011, four lucky women – Delia Larson, Ebony Marinnie, Christina Fox and Stephanie Jennings – began their journey toward health and wellness while the cameras rolled.
As the nurses began achieving significant milestones on their journeys, they noted that the unwavering support from their Cooper colleagues was having a tremendous impact on their success. This led to The Revolution challenging all of Cooper to lose 3,000 pounds on national television.
As expected, Cooper employees accepted the challenge with enthusiasm and determination, and more than 800 people joined The Revolution. Monthly weigh-in sessions at Cooper’s facilities throughout South Jersey began, and free educational programs and fitness classes were planned each week. Doctors, nurses, administrators and office staff in departments throughout Cooper began focusing on their own wellness and supporting and motivating one another by organizing walking clubs, exercise sessions and healthy shared snacks. Cooper employees were losing weight — and getting healthier.
ABC’s The Revolution took notice, too. In January, celebrity chef Devin Alexander of The Biggest Loser visited Cooper’s employee cafeteria and offered guidance on making healthier versions of some of staff’s favorite foods. Celebrity co-hosts Ty Pennington and Dr. Jennifer Ashton spent a March weekend at Cooper remodeling a space for employees to take quiet, peaceful breaks from their shifts, now known as The Tranquility Room.
On Wednesday, April 4, 2012 at 2 p.m., the Cooper Revolution will air nationwide on ABC network. We are excited to share our journey and hope to inspire healthcare workers from across the country.
The Revolution at Cooper continues through to Nurses Week in May when we will announce our final weigh-in. We have already surpassed our 3,000 pound goal and will continue to challenge our employees to better health for themselves and their families!
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