Don Cornett is a 52-year-old Cortez public works employee with eight grandchildren. He’s lost nearly 50 pounds over the last 24 weeks.
“Before, all I could do was sit and watch my grandkids play softball,” he said. “Now, I’m able to actually get out there and play softball with them.”
At six feet tall, Cornett was considered heavy for his size, weighing in at 221.4 pounds when he signed up for the City of Cortez employee fitness team challenge. His initial goal was to lose 20 pounds, which he accomplished in only 14 days.
“I beat my goal pretty quick,” Cornett said. “I thought, well shoot, I should go for 180 pounds.”
Last week, Cornett weighed in at 172.6 pounds, losing a total of 48.8 pounds. In addition to being actively involved with his grandchildren, Cornett said the weight loss has also helped him with general everyday chores.
“The simple things, like tying your shoes, are easier,” he said. “I can bend over without feeling like I’m cutting off my air supply.”
A total of 44 employees enrolled in the city’s fitness team challenge. Divided into teams of four, employees have lost a combined 428.3 pounds since Jan. 28. Cornett’s team won the 24-week challenge, dropping a collective total of more than 90 pounds.
“We all talked and would remind one another of what not to eat over the weekend,” said team captain Sara Coffey. “We all wanted to win.”
Coffey, who works in the finance department at City Hall, said she joined the program as means to become healthier. Her cholesterol level has dropped by 60 points since the end of January.
“I have a lot more energy now,” she said. “I feel stronger.”
Bimonthly team weigh-ins were held, and winning teams received incentive awards, such as gift certificates at local restaurants. At the end of the 24-week program, each member of the winning team was awarded $75 cash and a full day off work.
With names like Wii Not Fit, Tons of Fun, Flab Four, Famished Mafia and Quatro Shrinko, the team fitness challenge was a win-win situation, for both employee health and city coffers, said City Manager Shane Hale.
“If we can get just a handful of employees to make better lifestyle choices, then it not only improves their health, but it also saves the city money,” he said.
Hale explained the city is a self-insured entity responsible for the first $50,000 liability on all employee health claims. He estimates that 80 percent of city insurance costs go to cover employee hospital visits.
For every dollar spent on wellness, conservative estimates indicate a savings of three dollars. Officials from the Montezuma County Health Department and Southwest Memorial Hospital assisted with the city fitness team challenge by offering health screenings and instructional programs. The city also promoted employees to participate in physical activity during their lunch breaks.
After winning an additional $125 cash award and another day off work as the best male performer in the challenge, Cornett attributed his success to watching his diet.
“Portion control was the key,” he said. “I did cheat on the weekends by having ice cream and pizza, but I ate smaller portions.”
Appreciative of the city’s effort and investment, Cornett said working outdoors also aided his achievement. He cited that he most recently worked with a street crew, using only picks and shovels, to move 40 tons of asphalt.
“I was skeptical of the program at first,” he admitted. “But it was entertaining, fun and my goal was very obtainable. I’m glad I did it.”
tbaker@cortezjournal.com