The 2006 champ will be back this year for the annual Health Quest, sponsored by Natchez Regional Medical Center and First Natchez Radio Group.

Bootsie Rehms, who won first place in 2006 for perfect attendance, participation and weight-loss results, is eager for the Quest to begin.

“It fires you up,” said Rehms of Natchez, a Waste Management employee. “Sometimes you feel you’re the only one with a weight problem. It helps to be around others who have the same problem.”

Health Quest begins Thursday at 5 p.m. at the Natchez Mall. Those interested in learning more about the health-improvement program will get all the details then, said Kay Ketchings, NRMC marketing director.

“Close to 300 people took part overall last year,” Ketchings said. At the first meeting, technicians will be on hand to begin health checks, taking blood, blood pressure, weight, body mass and other measurements.

At the second meeting, participants will get results. “The blood work will be done. All the numbers will be back. They will find out what the numbers mean,” Ketchings said. “They will hear speakers each week who will give them the motivation to make lifestyle changes.”

Like Rehms, Ketchings believes members of the group provide stimulation for each other. “I didn’t really realize how much the support mattered until I saw it last year,” she said.

The program will continue for 10 weeks each Monday at the Natchez Mall. Anyone over 18 is eligible to participate. Registration is $20 for an individual or $35 for a married couple. The fee helps to cover costs of the lab work, Ketchings said.

“We’ll be offering speakers who talk about nutrition and exercise,” Ketchings said.

Participants will be encouraged to come early and walk in the mall for exercise. In addition, group exercise will include dancing and other organized events.

Chef Doug Hosford of High Cotton Catering will provide a demonstration on cooking heart-healthy foods.

Jewell Garvette, dietitian at Natchez Regional, will give participants information about healthy diets.

And Kim McAndrews will give a program on stress management.

“It’s a great time to enjoy companionship, support, education about nutrition, exercise and learn ways to manage stress,” Ketchings said.

Rehms said she knows many of the new friends she made at the program in 2006 are returning for the upcoming Quest.

“I won first place last year,” she said. “I had 100 percent attendance. I didn’t miss a classs.”

Ketchings said she and Terri Taylor, the coordinator from First Natchez Radio, are working to get more businesses involved in sponsoring their employees in the program.

“We hope employers will see the importance of wellness education. The health benefits from this program are beneficial to businesses,” she said.