Mayors Wellness Campaign Gains Traction

Since pitching the idea of developing a in Red Bank back in March, borough council, specifically Councilman Mike DuPont, has not let the idea slip away, like so many crash diets started in earnest but abandoned somewhere along the way. 

Regular updates, new initiatives and plans for the future of the campaign have kept the momentum up and the borough on the right track to healthier living.

At Wednesday's council meeting, DuPont provided updates about the campaign, as well as new healthful partnerships with local organizations. DuPont said the borough has teamed up with both the Community YMCA and Riverview Medical Center to provide health services to borough employees. The Y is offering complimentary four-month memberships to Red Bank's staff while Riverview plans on providing free health screenings for borough employees in September.

The goal is also to get the entire community involved, too. DuPont said the borough is looking to develop a community health fair and walk in the fall. The tentative dates is Oct. 20, though he said that could change. The fair would likely include screenings of some sort, information, and healthy living resources.

DuPont finished his Mayors Wellness Campaign discussion with an update of the council's . In March, DuPont suggested the borough's council members participate in a friendly weight loss competition with just a little bit of cash on the line to help sweeten the deal.

Thus far, DuPont said Council President Art Murphy has lost more than 20 points - Murphy said the exact total is 22 pounds - giving him the lead in the competition. Councilman Ed Zipprich, who can often be seen pedaling his way through Red Bank's downtown, has lost upwards of 16 pounds since the bet began.

At stake: $200 to be spent in Red Bank businesses.