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Three ways that worked for TOPS Royalty
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TOPEKA — TOPS, Take Off Pounds Sensibly, held its annual State Recognition Days in Topeka April 8-9. Mary Christie of Hoxie won 2nd Division 1 with 85.2 pounds lost; Amy Timmons of Smith Center won 1st Division 3 with 52.2 pounds lost and Jane McClellan of Scott City won 2nd Division 4 with 38 pounds lost.
Kansas Chapters lost 10,681 pounds with a Wichita Chapter having the highest average weight loss per member of 15.63 pounds. The Kansas Queen and King were Rani Rivas and Jan Pruitt of Wichita. These two members achieved their weight goal in 2015.
It is those little things that add up in the quest for optimal health. Most of us already know outstanding health can be obtained by eating smaller portions of nutritious foods, along with an active, non-sedentary lifestyle. Support is essential and TOPS makes it key to their meetings. Health-care professionals remind us that the more we move, the more we lose, and the better we feel. The above ideas worked for our King and Queen, plus they note that the following key parts to their weight loss program were important:
• Determination - No More Excuses!
• Have a plan:
- Support: TOPS accountability & support;
- Food Plan: Includes vegetables, meats, nuts and fruits. They have eliminated all sugar;
- Exercise: Find 30-60 minutes 4-5 times a week to get moving. It can be walking or utilizing a fitness location that meets a member’s needs.
• Follow through with your program. The best plans fail if you don’t follow through with them.
Learn more tips such as these at a TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Club.

Local chapters
The Great Bend chapter of TOPS saw eight members lose a total of 36 pounds in 2015. Member M.K. received a Chapter Merit Certificate for losing 14.6 pounds.
TOPS No. 827 meets at 4:30 p.m. Mondays in the meeting room at Claflin Independent Township Library.
TOPS KS 1151 meets at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays at First United Methodist Church, 2123 Forest Ave., Great Bend. Use the west doors. For more information, call 800-932-8677 or 316-755-1055 or email Beverly Bednasek at Bednasek@networksplus.net.