Most folks don’t plan an appointment with the bathroom scales to occur in a public building.

     Monday, though, the scales came out of the bathroom, and city employees lined up at the Lincoln County/Brookhaven Government Complex boardroom to weigh-in, get a blood pressure check and find out their body fat percentage.

     It’s all the beginning of a new initiative hatched by Mayor Les Bumgarner. Brookhaven city officials and King’s Daughters Medical Center have joined forces to encourage weight loss and a healthier lifestyle among city employees.

     The “Weigh Down South Brookhaven Style” challenge formally began Monday. City employees and elected officials alike are participating.

     Following Monday’s initial weigh-in, there will be monthly checks in August, September and October. After the final weight check, two winners will be named: one for most total pounds lost and one for the largest loss of body fat percentage.

     Winners will receive a free membership to the KDMC Fitness Center. All participants will receive a T-shirt.

     At Monday’s kickoff, 19 city employees and public officials hit the scales to participate in the challenge.

     Bumgarner contacted KDMC Corporate Health Consultant Rachael Brumfield several months ago about beginning the program.

     “Wellness is becoming a centerpiece in today’s health care,” Brumfield said. “Companies are looking for ways to try to prevent illness in their employees.”

     The program aims to encourage eating healthy, even when on the go.

     “It’s about educating people to make lifestyle choices so they can remain healthy five, 10 years down the road,” Brumfield said.

     Brumfield said she’s getting ready to begin a similar program for the Brookhaven city schools and a challenge for the Wal-Mart Distribution Center.

     Rex Lumber currently has an ongoing weight loss challenge.

     If other businesses or organizations are interested in hosting a weight loss challenge, KDMC is offering to operate the program for free, Brumfield said. Interested businesses can contact her by calling 888-977-3319.