Press Releases

The Institute of Lifestyle & Weight Management Announces the Hiring of Gail Orrin

Raleigh, NC 12-22-07

Raleigh, NC December 22, 2007 -- The Institute of Lifestyle & Weight Management (ILWM) is very proud to announce the addition of Ms. Gail Orrin as the Institute’s Director of Exercise and Fitness Services, where she will be responsible for overseeing the award-winning Exercise Physiology program. Ms. Orrin most recently worked as an exercise physiologist at the Duke Diet & Fitness Center and was Program Director of Duke Raleigh Hospital’s Wellness Center. Ms. Orrin previously worked for several years as the Program Director of the Del Sol Lifecare Center, a wellness center in El Paso, Texas, that focused on cardio, diabetes, and wellness for children and adults.

Ms. Orrin comes to the Institute with years of experience in world-respected weight-loss and wellness programs, and will help to take the Institute to a higher level. She will shore up and improve the current operation by bringing her years of experience to bear on the exercise program and in the fitness center. In addition, her experience in residential programs will be key as ILWM rolls out its new residential weight loss program.

ILWM is the premier medically-based weight management center that features a comprehensive and coordinated approach to weight loss. This health-based approach helps members lose weight and keep it off in the long term. ILWM features programs for adults and children, whether they need to lose 10 or 400 pounds. For further information on ILWM or the Residential Program, visit http://www.ilwm.com or contact William Wilkins at (919) 791-1112 x7101.

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The Institute of Lifestyle & Weight Management Announces Weight Management Program for Business Professionals

Raleigh, NC 9-14-07

The Institute of Lifestyle & Weight Management (ILWM) has announced their Pushing the Wellness Flywheel: Health and Wellness for Today’s Business Professional, a weight management program designed specifically to address the needs of the busy business professional. Business professionals face demanding lifestyles, compromised schedules and unique challenges, all of which can negatively impact their weight and health. ILWM has developed a program specifically to meet the challenges and needs of the business professional’s lifestyle and to teach managers to invest wisely in themselves.

"We constantly listen to the needs of our members, and our business professional members were having trouble getting on a regular schedule due to the nature of their work lives. The Pushing the Wellness Flywheel: Health and Wellness for Today’s Business Professional is our answer to the rigors and demands of the professional lifestyle," says Dr. E. Brooks Wilkins, founder of the Institute.

The five-week program is held on consecutive Saturdays and employs business-specific techniques in motivating and teaching the busy business professional how to live a more productive and healthy lifestyle. The program provides the essential and distinguishing factors for great health and optimal performance by applying an analogous framework of concepts popularized in the leading business management books. Class participants will not only reduce their weight and improve their health, but will learn techniques to increase their professional performance. The first program begins on Saturday October 20, 2007. Membership is limited.

ILWM is the premier medically-based weight management center that features a comprehensive and coordinated approach to weight loss. This health-based approach helps members take the weight off and keep it off in the long term. ILWM features programs for adults and children whether they need to lose 10 or 400 pounds. For further information on ILWM or the Pushing the Wellness Flywheel: Health and Wellness for Today’s Business Professional program, visit www.ilwm.com or contact William Wilkins at (919) 791-1112 x7101.

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A4 Health Systems Employees Will Be Test Pilots for the New ILWM Facility Opening in March

Five local employees selected to participate in pre-opening programs

Raleigh, NC 3-16-06

Five A4 Health Systems employees have been selected to be the first members of the new Institute of Lifestyle and Weight Management weight loss facility opening in the Raleigh Medical Center this March. The A4 employees will begin their programs several weeks before the public grand opening scheduled in April.

The Institute of Lifestyle and Weight Management is the only medically-supervised weight loss facility that battles obesity by providing comprehensive, multi-dimensional care in a supportive, team-oriented environment. After a thorough health assessment, each member is partnered with a team of healthcare professionals who develop a personalized plan for weight loss, physical fitness, and healthy lifestyle education, all supported with the latest technology to track and record progress.

A4 Health Systems CEO, John McConnell, was surprised at the response to his offer to sponsor five employees. The program required a full year commitment from the employees plus their willingness to provide feedback about their experiences to the ILWM management team. Twenty-five employees applied for the positions and the five candidates were selected by lottery.

"The fact that so many employees responded said several things to me," said McConnell. "First, people are very interested in improving their health. Second, despite the many different options on the market today, nothing seems to be offering the full range of support that makes the ILWM program so appealing to these people."

Raleigh doctor and founder of ILWM, E. Brooks Wilkins, MD, selected A4 Health Systems to provide the medical information technology that is critical to tracking members’ progress. "We are looking forward to deepening our relationship with A4 Health Systems. These five pilot members will be instrumental in making sure our new Raleigh facility operates as planned."

About Obesity

Obesity is growing in epidemic proportions in this country. In America, 65 percent of the adult population is considered overweight. More alarming is the fact that 30 percent are classified as obese with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater. In North Carolina, about 24 percent of adults are obese, up from less than 15 percent just 15 years ago. Healthcare costs of obesity in North Carolina are estimated to be $2.1B, or 6 percent of the state’s total health bill. Other diseases often associated with obesity and overweight are cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

About the Institute of Lifestyle and Weight Management

In today’s consumer-driven environment where individuals are free to make more and more of their own healthcare choices, the Institute of Lifestyle and Weight Management provides overweight people a holistic and completely integrated approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle. ILWM offers its members comprehensive health assessments and one-on-one support from a team of healthcare professionals. Members also have access to a state-of-the-art fitness facility provided by Gold’s Gym™, a healthy lifestyle education center, the latest A4 Health Systems technology to track progress, and other personalized services to help them reach their goals. Individuals can fund annual membership through Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSAs) and, unlike other local programs, members are not required to reside at ILWM during their program. Founded by Raleigh doctor, E. Brooks Wilkins MD, ILWM will open its Raleigh clinic in March 2006. For more information, visit www.ilwm.com or call 919.791.1112.

About A4 Health Systems - Now a Part of Allscripts

A4 Health Systems is dedicated to promoting community-based healthcare via healthcare IT solutions for consolidated clinical, financial and administrative patient information management. Led by its HealthMatics®, Canopy® and EmSTAT solutions, A4 provides software and service solutions for physician practice and hospital settings to improve and better manage the delivery of patient care. Founded in 1970, A4 has nationally implemented software and services in more than 1,850 healthcare organizations, including physician groups and small practices, and Emergency Departments and hospitals. A4 represents Authorized Access, Anywhere, Anytime, and is based in Cary, N.C., with additional locations in New Hampshire, Texas and Michigan. For more information, visit www.a4healthsystems.com or call 1.888.672.3282.

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ILWM to Host Open House at New Raleigh Facility

Raleigh, NC 2-24-06 The Institute of Lifestyle and Weight Management is hosting an Open House at its new Raleigh facility on Tuesday, April 4 beginning at 5:00 p.m. Members of the media, local business executives, and the general public are invited to attend.

The first of its kind in the Triangle area, the 12,000 square foot ILWM facility is located in the Raleigh Medical Center on Duraleigh Road. The Institute, focused specifically on treating obesity and overweight, is the creation of Raleigh doctor, E. Brooks Wilkins, MD, and is designed around his comprehensive weight loss program. The Institute’s facility includes private examination rooms where members receive comprehensive health assessments and meet regularly with their personal healthcare teams. The 2,500 square foot gym is designed and outfitted by Gold’s Gym™. There is a lifestyle learning center with books, magazines, and videos about healthy living. The demonstration kitchen offers nutrition, shopping and cooking classes to teach members to prepare balanced and nutritious meals. The lobby computer kiosk provides access to a state-of-the-art performance tracking system designed by A4 Technology where members can chart their progress and communicate with their healthcare team.

The April 4th Open House event will feature tours, demonstrations, and complimentary health consultations. Members of the media are invited to schedule a private tour and interview with Dr. Wilkins. Please call the Institute at 919-791-1112 to reserve your preferred time.

About Obesity

Obesity is growing in epidemic proportions in this country. In America, 65% of the adult population is considered overweight. More alarming is the fact that 30% are classified as obese with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or greater. In North Carolina, about 24% of adults are obese, up from less than 15% just 15 years ago. Healthcare costs of obesity in North Carolina are estimated to be $2.1B, or 6% of the state’s total health bill. Other diseases often associated with obesity and overweight are cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

About the Institute of Lifestyle and Weight Management

In today’s consumer-driven environment where individuals are free to make more and more of their own healthcare choices, the Institute of Lifestyle and Weight Management provides overweight people a holistic and completely integrated approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle. ILWM offers its members comprehensive health assessments and one-on-one support from a team of healthcare professionals. Members also have access to a state-of-the-art fitness facility provided by Gold’s Gym™, a healthy lifestyle education center, the latest A4 Health Systems technology to track progress, and other personalized services to help them reach their goals. Individuals can fund annual membership through Healthcare Savings Accounts (HSAs) and, unlike other local programs, members are not required to reside at ILWM during their program. Founded by Raleigh doctor, E. Brooks Wilkins MD, ILWM will open its Raleigh clinic in March 2006. For more information, visit www.ilwm.com or call 919.791.1112.

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