TOPS talks about Breast Cancer Awareness month

TOPS Chapter 9319 El Dorado Springs met in the Bethel Free Will Baptist Church, 1300 S. Summer St, El Dorado Springs on Thursday, Sept. 30, for their weekly weigh-in and meeting.

Linda Hall, Leader, called the meeting to order.

Carol and Ray led us in singing “We’re the TOPS Club Members”

We said our TOPS and KOPS pledges.

Linda H led us in roll call and walking report. Twenty-two members weighed in, we had a Loss of 17 lbs. and a gain of 10.2 resulting in a net loss of 6.8 lbs. Best loser for the week was Robbie C with a loss of 4 lbs. Robbie has had a steady loss this month of 16.4 lbs. Congratulations Robbie and keep up the good work.

It was noted last week’s pounds lost by the chapter was 13.8 instead of the 12.4 previously reported.

Marilyn had the program today and she spoke on her weight loss journey and Breast Cancer awareness.

Marilyn grew up on a Kansas farm. Kansas cooks are known for their pies and cakes and homemade rolls. Marilyn weighed around 200 lbs. by the time she graduated High School. She then went to work in the Kansas City area and joined a diet program where you were counseled and told what foods to eat. She lost down to around 135 and maintained that till her 50’s when it started creeping back. In April 2011 she joined our TOPS Chapter and reached her goal by the end of the year. Another TOPS member who joined about the same time Marilyn did became friends and friendly competition. The other member had more to lose to goal and won the title of queen for that year and Marilyn was runner up. Marilyn has maintained her goal weight for 10 years.

Marilyn then talked about Breast Cancer awareness month. She had to have treatment for breast cancer in her mid-50’s. She has now been cancer free for 18 years. It is important to have your annual checkups. One in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer.  Some things thought to increase your chances of having breast cancer are: being overweight and having a BMI over 25. Some things to do to help decrease the risk: daily exercise, take brisk walks, avoid alcohol, eat lots of fresh fruit and veggies, whole grains and lean protein, and increase your fiber intake. If you smoke, stop! Avoid prolonged sitting.

Thank you, Marilyn, for a great program.

Contest last week, Linda C and Linda H were ahead with Jean and Sharron right behind them, this week Linda C & Linda H and Sharron and Jean are tied. Remember you must also lose weight as well as do the required amount of exercise. Contact your partner and encourage them.

Marble game: Judy B won the right to draw and drew the red one which gave her another chance and then she drew the winning one. She won $46.

Claudia will be visiting our chapter next week. Be sure to be here not only for the awards but I am sure Claudia will present a great program.

Reminder: Fall Rally Oct. 9. Please bring a sack lunch as food will not be provided. TOPS Members should get together to arrange a carpool.

Since Thanksgiving falls on Thursday it was suggested we have our meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 23. Carol made a motion we do this Laura 2nd Motion carried. Mark your calendars.

With no other business meeting was adjourned with Linda’s thought of the week. Every morning, afternoon and night, take a 30 sec. break to look at the sky, breathe deeply and offer thanks.

And our Chapter Motto: IF IT IS TO BE IT IS UP TO ME.

TOPS #MO 9319 meets each Thursday morning in the Bethel Free Will Church, 1300 S. Summer, El Dorado Springs. Weigh-in starts at 7:45 a.m. the meeting begins at 8:45 a.m. and is over by 10 a.m.

Are you ready to stop dieting and start making real changes? TOPS can help you reach your weight-loss goals by providing you with the tools, information, support, and accountability you need to be successful. After all, this has been a winning formula for TOPS members just like you for 70 years. We welcome women and men of all ages and couples are encouraged to join. We encourage healthy eating and offer support through our chapter and the National Chapter of TOPS. We have a lot of fun in our weight loss journey and make lifelong friendships. First visit is free with no obligation.

For more information, call Linda Hall at 417 876 7404, TOPS toll-free number 1 800-932-8677 or you can find us on the web at www.tops.org.

Come and join us.