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#YWM2013 Photoshow

 

BBGC Raises This Much For Walk From Obesity
Again, Because We Can.

 


2013 WLS Awards Announcements

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PS.  I THINK every single thing I voted for, won too!  ;)   We're a great community sometimes.

xo

  • The WLS Awards are *nominated by* and *voted on* by members of the WLS Community. Any person, business, or charitable organization that is part of the weight loss surgery and bariatric community is eligible, EXCEPT Diva Taunia and last year's winners.
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OAC's Inaugural Convention Provides Ground-breaking Education to Hundreds of Individuals Concerned with Weight and Health

Obesity Action Coalition’s Your Weight Matters National Convention â€œExplore. Discover. Empower.” Provides Ground-breaking Education to Hundreds of Individuals Concerned with Weight and Health

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Tampa, Fla. â€“ In late October, Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) members from more than 34 states gathered in Dallas, Texas, for a ground-breaking health and weight educational convention. 

The Convention provided attendees direct access to the country’s leading experts and thought-leaders in weight and health. The Convention included 18 educational sessions, led by the country’s leading experts, on diverse topics, designed to arm attendees with the most current information on excess weight, bariatric surgery, health, nutrition, exercise and more.

In addition to educational sessions, on Friday and Saturday, attendees were also given the opportunity to participate in a Lunch with the Experts session. This session allowed attendees to sit one-on-one with an expert and have an in-depth conversation about the topic of their choice. The Convention also featured a special Advocacy Training session, focused on training the OAC’s next set of advocates. A total of 68 attendees learned from experts in healthcare policy on how to advocate for access to treatment, awareness and more.

The evenings of the Convention were filled with social events to allow attendees the opportunity to connect with one another.  On Friday night, the OAC hosted a Halloween-themed costume party in conjunction with its OAC State of the Association address. On Saturday evening, the OAC hosted the 1st OAC Annual Awards Dinner honoring six members for their outstanding service in areas such as
advocacy, weight bias and membership recruitment. The Convention wrapped on Sunday morning with the Dallas Walk from Obesity. The Dallas Walk raised more than $24,000 to increase awareness, prevention, education and advocacy in obesity and offered more than 250 walkers a host of activities from face-painting to a silent auction.

“The OAC wanted to create a warm and welcoming environment where attendees felt comfortable to be themselves, learn from experts and unite with each other. This was definitely accomplished and so much more, and we are excited to welcome so many to the OAC family through our Convention,” said Joe Nadglowski, OAC President and CEO.

The Convention’s success was due in large part to the OAC National Board of Directors and Convention Planning Committee for their dedication to excellence. In addition, the Convention would not have been possible without the generous support of its National Sponsors: Gold â€“ Eisai, and Vivus, Inc.; and Bronze â€“Bariatric Advantage, Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Geisinger, and Methodist Weight Management Institute. The OAC is also grateful for the support of the 19 exhibitors who participated in the Convention.

The OAC has already begun planning the 2013 Your Weight Matters National Convention and a formal announcement will take place in December. For more information on the Your Weight Matters National Convention, please visit www.YWMConvention.com.

The OAC is a National nonprofit charity dedicated to helping individuals affected by obesity. The OAC was formed to bring together individuals struggling with weight issues and provide educational resources and advocacy tools.



Who inspires YOU?

 

Passing this along from WEGO Health -

"We're excited to announce the start of the WEGO Health Activist Awards Nominations!

 This year, we're extending the nomination period and we've added some exciting new award categories but we're hoping you'll take a moment to recognize all of the people who make a difference, offer support, and share information in your online health community."


Obesity Action Coalition Honors Extraordinary Members at 1st Annual OAC Awards Dinner

Obesity Action Coalition Honors Extraordinary Members at 1st Annual OAC Awards Dinner

On October 27, during the Your Weight Matters Inaugural Convention, the OAC recognized some of our outstanding members at the 1st Annual OAC Awards Dinner. The OAC presented six members with the following OAC awards based on their service and dedication to the OAC:

Advocate of the Year

This award is given to the OAC Member who has lead the charge in taking on and engaging others in advocacy initiatives. This individual is a tireless advocate advancing the cause of fighting obesity and representing individuals affected.

The recipient of the OAC Advocate of the Year award was Beth Sheldon-Badore, of Plymouth, MA. Beth is a long-time member and supporter of the OAC, and she continuously advocates for those affected by obesity.

 

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OAC President Joe Naglowski and I with my award

 

Community Leader of the Year

This award is given to an individual who continually works in their community to advance the cause of fighting obesity. The recipient is an individual who actively engages their community or with their constituency in spreading awareness of obesity and encourages others to get involved in activities that further the mission of the OAC.

The recipient of the Community Leader of the Year award was Tammy Beaumont, BSN, RN, BC, CBN, of Dallas, TX. Tammy, a long-time OAC member, is extremely involved in fighting obesity in her community through the OAC as well as the Walk from Obesity.

Outstanding Membership Recruitment by an OAC Member


This award is designated for the individual OAC member who is an active membership recruiter in the OAC. The individual is a regular membership promoter and continually encourages membership in the OAC.

The recipient of the Outstanding Membership Recruitment by an OAC Member award was Michelle Vicari, from Temecula, CA. Michelle continuously works to raise awareness of the OAC, as the positive impact of membership in our organization.

Outstanding Membership Recruitment by a Physician

This award is given to the Sponsored Membership Program participant (physician) that recruited the highest number of new members in the OAC in the 12 months prior to the Convention month.

The recipient of the Outstanding Membership Recruitment by a Physician award was Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians. Rocky Mountain Associated Physicians is a leader in the OAC’s Sponsored Membership Program. Through the Sponsored Membership Program, they purchase memberships in the OAC for each of their patients. To date, they joined 268 members in the OAC during 2012!

Bias Buster of the Year

The OAC’s Bias Buster of the Year is awarded to the individual who has lead the charge to put the OAC on path to effect change in mindsets, policies and public perception of weight bias. This individual is both proactive and reactive in responding to weight bias issues and is an example to others on how to get involved as a Bias Buster.

The recipient of the OAC’s Bias Buster of the Year was Rebecca Puhl, PhD from New Haven, CT. Rebecca is a member of the OAC’s Board of Directors and is the leading expert on weight bias. She is also the current chair of the OAC’s Weight Bias Committee. Her profound knowledge on weight bias allows the OAC to tackle a variety of bias issues ranging from entertainment to healthcare and more.

Member of the Year
This is the OAC’s highest honor and is awarded to an OAC member who goes above and beyond to help the OAC in its efforts to achieve its mission and goals. This individual is an exemplary OAC member and continually represents the OAC in impacting the obesity epidemic.

The recipient of the OAC Member of the Year award was Ted Kyle, RPh, MBA, of Pittsburgh, PA. Ted sits on the OAC’s Board of Directors and is also a member of several OAC committees. His extensive knowledge in the field of obesity has continually assisted the OAC in advocacy efforts, combating weight bias, developing educational resources and more.

The OAC National Board of Directors and staff congratulate these individuals and recognize them for their continued support and dedication to the OAC, our mission and goals.


Thank you!

Beth and I OAC Awards

Michelle Vicari and I were honored to receive awards at the Obesity Action Coalition's Inaugural Event last weekend.

I received the OAC's Award for Advocate of the Year -- and Michelle for Membership Recruitment.

Thank you OAC, and thanks to those who nominated us!

 


Mini Squee - #YWMconvention #OAC

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On October 27th, 2012, during the Obesity Action Coalition "Your Weight Matters" Event at the Hilton Anatole
, there will be another first: the first annual OAC Awards!

Your friendly blogger was nominated in one of these categories, and I am thankful to you for that.  Thank you.  And, really, thank you.

I will be present at the events, dinner, ceremony, and of course the Walk From Obesity with at least $6000.00 in donations from Team MM + BBGC.  

Have I mentioned that there is still time to donate to Team MM + BBGC and I do not see your donation in yet?  

Go ahead, I will wait for you!

Thank you - and see you there? 

There is still time to register for the OAC event!  

Do. not. miss. it.

 Join the OAC event on Facebook!

 

 

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About the OAC Awards -

The following awards will be presented during the OAC Inaugural Your Weight Matters National Convention:

OAC Advocate of the Year - This award is given to the OAC Member who has lead the charge in taking on National, local and state advocacy issues. This individual should be a tireless advocate to advance the cause of fighting obesity and the individual affected by obesity.

Community Leader of the Year - This award is given to an individual who continually works in their community to advance the cause of fighting obesity. The recipient should be an individual who actively engages their community or with their constituency in spreading awareness of obesity and encourages others to get involved in activities that further the mission of the OAC.

Outstanding Membership Recruitment by an OAC Member - This award is designated for the individual OAC member who is an active membership recruiter in the OAC. The individual is a regular membership promoter and continually encourages membership in the OAC.

Outstanding Membership Recruitment by a Physician - This award is given to the Sponsored Membership Program participant (physician) that has recruited the most new members in the OAC in the 12 months prior to the Convention month. The recipient of the award has encouraged membership in the OAC by purchasing it on behalf of the patient.

Bias Buster of the Year - The OAC’s Bias Buster of the Year is awarded to the individual who has lead the charge to put the OAC on path to effect change in mindsets, policies and public perception of weight bias. This individual is both proactive and reactive in responding to weight bias issues and is an example to others on how to get involved as a Bias Buster.

OAC Member of the Year - This is the OAC’s highest honor and is awarded to an OAC member who goes above and beyond to help the OAC in its efforts to achieve its mission and goals. This individual is an exemplary OAC member and continually represents the OAC in impacting the obesity epidemic.

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The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) is set to host a ground-breaking educational convention on weight and health, the Inaugural “Your Weight Matters” National Convention. Join them in Dallas, October 25-28 for this ground-breaking Convention that will answer all your questions about weight and health! For more information, please visit www.YWMConvention.com.