Ochsner Health is a system that delivers health to the people of Louisiana, Mississippi and the Gulf South with a mission to Serve, Heal, Lead, Educate and Innovate.
LAFAYETTE – Parades, parties and celebratory drinks make Carnival season in Louisiana a magical time of the year, but all of the revelry can take a toll on our personal health. To encourage Louisianians to take a break from alcohol, Ochsner Eat Fit is kicking off its eighth annual Alcohol Free for 40 Challenge powered by Lyre’s Zero Proof Spirits on February 23, the day after Ash Wednesday.
Alcohol Free for 40 is launching statewide with kickoff events in six cities. The Lafayette event will take place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the lobby of the Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedic Center, located at 4212 W. Congress St.
Cutting out alcohol even for just 40 days can significantly improve whole-body wellness. This challenge provides participants with the resources, education and support needed to abstain from alcohol and benefit from a “wellness spring cleaning.” Data from past Alcohol Free for 40 challenges have shown that this single lifestyle change can lead to better sleep, increased energy and improved focus within days of starting.
“Almost all of us have personal health goals ranging from weight loss to reduced inflammation to improved mental health. Forgoing alcohol for 40 days is one practice that improves the mind, body and spirit at once,” said Molly Kimball, RD, CSSD, founder of Ochsner Eat Fit and Alcohol Free For 40. “The Alcohol Free For 40 Challenge is an opportunity to see and feel the benefits of going alcohol-free, both inside and out.”
Kimball created Eat Fit in 2013 to take the guesswork out of healthy eating. She has collaborated with some of the most iconic restaurants in the New Orleans region to create a program that encourages chefs to offer nutritious dishes for those who want to eat clean, watch their weight and manage diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol. Ochsner Eat Fit is available at more than 600 restaurants across Louisiana, and includes regional programs in Baton Rouge, Acadiana, Shreveport, Monroe and on the Northshore.
Visit www.AlcoholFreeFor40.com today to join the challenge. To make 2023 your healthiest year yet, visit www.ochsner.org/healthyyou.
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About Ochsner Lafayette General
Ochsner Lafayette General has more than 5,500 employees and serves 220,000 patients per year. The organization includes Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center, Ochsner Lafayette General Orthopedic Hospital, Ochsner Lafayette General Surgical Hospital, Ochsner St. Martin Hospital, Ochsner University Hospital & Clinics, Ochsner Acadia General Hospital, Ochsner Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital, Ochsner American Legion Hospital and a number of clinics, urgent cares and professional centers. Ochsner LGMC is the only Level II Trauma Center in Southwest Louisiana. Both Ochsner LGMC and Ochsner UHC are major teaching hospitals, providing graduate medical education across many disciplines.