Healthy Inspiration From NKCH Employees
January 28, 2019By: Jodi Rawson
Categories: Fitness, Live Healthy
We’re nearing the end of January which brings up the question, “How many people have already given up trying to lose weight or exercise?” In a survey released in January 2018, 45% of Americans vowed to lose weight or exercise as their New Year’s resolutions. By now, most have already gone back to their less-than-healthy habits. But, is it possible to keep those New Year’s resolutions? Just ask these four NKCH employees who vowed to change and did!
Erica Jasper, RHIA Supervisor, Physician Liaison/Educators
Age 40
Erica Jasper
Why did you make the change?
“Over the years, I became less active and started gaining weight. I knew I was soft, and I wanted to be lean. My son called me ‘fluffy.’”
How much did you lose?
“I lost 11 pounds, and I am at my goal weight.”
How did you do it?
“I exercised and now go to some type of class or personal training here five days a week. I miss it when I don’t go.”
How do you maintain your weight loss?
“I eat healthier, but I also reduced my carbohydrates and sugar. The weight has stayed off.”
What is your advice for others?
“Don’t beat yourself up if you have a cheat day. Just start over the next day.”
Phil D’Angelo, IT Specialist III
Age 50
Phil D’Angelo
Why did you make the change?
“I wanted to change various aspects of my life, but I picked weight loss because I had total control. I looked in the mirror and thought, ‘What has happened to me?’ I didn’t feel good about myself, so food was my comfort.”
How much did you lose?
“I started at 288 pounds and lost 93 pounds in 1½ years. I met my goal weight of 195, which is what I weighed in high school.”
How did you do it?
“I went cold turkey and cut out sweets. I did that for a year and then gradually reintroduced sugar in small amounts because I missed it.”
How do you maintain your weight loss?
“I exercise four days a week and lift weights. I don’t eat bread or fast food, and I drink a gallon of water daily.”
How do you feel?
“My focus and clarity are so much better. My aches and pains have stopped, and my energy stays up throughout the day. I am no longer taking medicine for high blood pressure, acid reflux or high cholesterol.”
Ami Scholtes, BSN, RN, Physician Liaison
Age 40
Ami Scholtes
Why did you make the change?
“After my two pregnancies, I put myself last. I stopped working out and went from an active nursing job to a more sedentary position. My breaking point came when I weighed three pounds less than when I gave birth.”
How much did you lose?
“I lost 36 pounds, met my goal weight and kept going.”
How did you do it?
“I enrolled in the Healthy Lifestyle Challenge (now called Employee Wellness). Casey Quintanilla, wellness coordinator, and Cole Bedell-Sartain, a trainer here, both encouraged me and pushed me to reach my healthy lifestyle goals. I also only eat when I am hungry.”
How do you maintain your weight loss?
“I don’t avoid certain foods, but I do portion control and only eat one-half of anything. I went from eating faster to eating slower, and I drink a ton of water.”
How do you feel?
“I wanted to go into my 40s in my best shape ever. I get cranky if I don’t go to the gym. That is when I de-stress. My goal is to see every moment in life with my two children and grow old with my husband.”
What advice do you give others?
“Get up and move, regardless of the intensity. Eat when you are hungry, but don’t be a garbage disposal for your kids by eating their leftovers.”
Todd Fullerton, MHA, BSN, Coordinator, Clinical Excellence
Age 49
Todd Fullerton
Why did you make the change?
“I was tired of carrying around all the weight and tired of how I looked and felt. I was exhausted all the time and had low self-esteem. I was classified as morbidly obese with high cholesterol and high blood pressure.”
How much did you lose?
“I gained after being diagnosed with bone cancer in 1995. When I made the decision to lose weight, I weighed 300 pounds. I lost 85 pounds and reached my goal weight of 215 pounds. I got rid of my larger clothes because I am never going back to that size.”
How did you do it?
“I started exercising, but I still ate what I wanted, and I didn’t lose much weight. I remember Jill Sartain, fitness coordinator, telling me, ‘Weight loss begins at the table with 80% diet and 20% exercise.’ I did portion control and began to lose the pounds. I also drink more water.”
How do you maintain your weight loss?
“I put my fork down between bites, and I eat when I am hungry, but I eat slowly. I give my body a chance to say it’s full. I cut back on carbs and still do portion control.”
How do you feel?
“My blood pressure is down, and I sleep better. I am heading into my 50s in possibly the best shape ever.”
What advice do you give others?
“People tell me they want to get in shape before they take an exercise class. Don’t let that stop you. There is no judgement with the fitness classes here.”
