LARNED — There is exciting news for fans of NBC’s smash hit reality show “Biggest Loser!”
Starting Tuesday, Sept. 13, Pawnee County citizens will have a chance to achieve their own weight loss dreams in “Time For A Change” weight loss competition. This is a great opportunity for participants to lose weight, improve their nutrition, increase their level of physical activity and win prizes.
Participants must be 18 years old, be in good physical and mental health, not pregnant, and will be required to sign a waiver and release of liability, assumption of risk, and indemnity agreement.
“I encourage everyone to come join the fun,” said Donna Preisner, Pawnee County FCS extension agent. “Participants have group support and learn about physical activity, health and nutrition. It’s a great opportunity to lose weight.  So plan to come lose with us.”
The Pawnee County Health Department will start the six-week program “Time for a Change,” with a kickoff at the Larned Community College at 6;30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 13.
Speakers Dr. Jeff Burnett will deliver a speech, “Being Realistic about your Health,” and Dr. David Sanger will deliver a speech, “Personal Story.”
Nutrition Classes “Low-Fat Cooking” and “Smart Food Preparation” and a diabetes education class. The nutrition classes are limited in the number that may attend so if you are interested in these you will want to  register early.  We also have added Bio-Fit, Fitness Forever, Ballroom Dancing, PiYo, Fit For Life, Cardio Dance, Yoga Flow, and Zumba. 
The program starts with initial weigh-ins from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Pawnee County Courthouse lounge.
There will be a weekly weigh-in each Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the courthouse lounge. Participants should wear similar clothes for weekly weigh-in. No shoes will be worn when participants are being weighed. 
Only program participants can try all these exercise classes to see what suits them best. The goal is to join the program, have some fun, loose a few pounds and be heathier after six weeks.     
The Time For A Change project is partly funded by a grant Pawnee County Extension received from the Golden Belt Community Foundation which funds projects that promote nutrition and physical activity. 
The Pawnee County Health Department, Pawnee County Community Health Organization, and Pawnee Valley Community Hospital are sponsoring the prizes.  Individuals will compete for a grand prize of $250 for the male and $250 for the female losing the largest per cent of weight during the six-week competition.
A complete registration slip needs to be submitted by Sept. 13 along with the $12 fee. Participants may purchase a T-shirt for $10. Registration and information is available at the Pawnee County Extension Office, Pawnee County Health Department, Pawnee Valley Community Hospital, Pawnee County CHO and the Larned Community Center. 
For information, call the Pawnee County Extension Office, 620-285-6901.