Effingham, IL -(Effingham Radio)- Starting in January 2019, HMR®, a Weight Management Program offered by HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, will be expanding to a secondary location, the new HSHS St. Anthony’s Health Center at 900 West Temple Avenue in Effingham. The HMR program will also continue to be offered at the Opilka Family Wellness Center in Altamont, at 5 East Cumberland.
HSHS St. Anthony’s Weight Management offers comprehensive programs that combine a structured meal plan, physical activity, personal lifestyle coaching, group support, and medical supervision as needed. HMR® programs are designed to help people lose weight while learning the skills they need to keep it off. The meals are healthy, filling and quick to prepare. Best of all, you will never go hungry.
New Digital Option
Just in time for January weight-loss resolutions, St. Anthony’s HMR Weight Management is now making its intensive “in-person” diet and lifestyle change program available as a digital option, allowing even more people to participate. Using the program developed by HMR®, people can now lose weight in person or on their own from the comfort of home with the support of a free HMR app or group phone coaching.
“Losing weight and then figuring out how to keep it off is really challenging,” says Brooke Welcher-Miner, program coordinator and health educator. “Our staff is here to support and coach people to lose a lot of weight and learn new, healthier skills for the long term.” She adds, “But with today’s busy lifestyles, many people just aren’t able to come in every week. With these new options, more people will be able to access the program, in a way that fits their life.”
Welcher-Miner notes that “Although these are ‘new’ options, they’re a version of the same HMR Program that U.S. News & World Report has recognized as a No. 1 Best Fast Weight-Loss Diet for the past three years.”
How the Program Works
- People lose weight using a structured diet of portion-controlled meal replacements and fruits and vegetables.
- Lifestyle education focuses on three skill areas: how to make healthier food choices, eat more fruits and vegetables, and increase physical activity.
- Coaching is offered for extra support and accountability through weekly groups or the HMR mobile app.
- A maintenance program is available to develop more problem solving skills for the long term.
To learn more about the HMR weight management program and the plan options, the public is invited to attend a free, no obligation information session, which are held weekly on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. or Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. or Noon, offered at the new HSHS St. Anthony’s Health Center, 900 West Temple Avenue, Building B. There is no charge to attend, but please call 217-540-2336 to reserve your spot.
If you are interested in the HMR program but can’t attend a session, you can email SAE-HMR-Program@hshs.org or call 217-540-2336 for more information. You can also read more about HMR and its plan options on St. Anthony’s web site at stanthonyshospital.org/wm.
HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital is part of the Southern Illinois Division of Hospital Sisters Health System, which also includes HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville, and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland.