View from the top
Ask Margo Cranford what the journey was like for her to make it to the top of TOPS in the province, and she’ll say it’s all about embracing a lifestyle change.
Ask Margo Cranford what the journey was like for her to make it to the top of TOPS in the province, and she’ll say it’s all about embracing a lifestyle change.
Cranford of Mount Pearl was crowned the provincial Queen of TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) Club Inc. in May during a TOPS Provincial Royalty event in Gander.
According to a news release, TOPS Provincial Royalty are men and women who, at the end of the year, have officially recorded the largest weight loss from their highest recorded weight to their health-care providers suggested goal weight, regardless of the time taken to reach that goal.
“I lost 86 pounds since 2009,” Cranford said. “TOPS teaches you that reaching a healthy lifestyle is about more than numbers.”
Cranford, and George Anderson of Searston who was crowned king at the Gander event after a loss of 58 pounds, will represent the province at an international TOPS conference in Little Rock, Arkansas July 14 and 15.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity. There will be in excess of 600 people at the event,” Cranford said. “We’ll get to walk across the stage. I’ll be wearing a tiara and a sash.”
According to tops.org, the Little Rock, Arkansas event will be the group’s 64th international recognition day that features motivational speakers, entertainment and other activities.
Jo Cull, Newfoundland and Labrador TOPS co-ordinator, said members throughout the province have collectively lost 10,867.9 pounds in 2016. Cull said TOPS remains a non-profit weight-loss support and wellness education organization.
“It is our goal to help people on their journey to lifelong health, and we believe individuals should be recognized for their accomplishments,” Cull said.