UTell - Tell Your Wellness Story

It’s challenging to start and maintain healthy habits, but success is all around us.  Here are some examples of how your coworkers have done it.

I was inspired by a friend who lost 35 lbs by her 35 birthday (35 X 35). I decided to pursue the same goals, although I knew it was a bit aggressive. As time went on, I was losing some weight but not near enough to be able to achieve my goal (at least not in healthy way). After considerable thought and some disappointment, I decided to revise my goals and try to aim for something smaller and more short-term. So just before Halloween, I settled on a goal of the "12 lbs of Christmas." I was going to try to lose 12 lbs before Christmas. Didn't quite make it but came close. New goal is "Sweet 16 for my Sweetheart," 16 lbs by my anniversary (late March).

Losing weight is definitely harder this time than when I was younger and had no children. I've had to make little changes here and there. For exercise, I try to walk 10-15 min in the morning and afternoon, so I at least get 20-30 min a day. It also forces me to take my break, which is nice. Drinking a lot more water now and I try to have one fruit or vegetable with every meal plus maybe one more for snack. Of course, I watch my portions (usually means no seconds). Do I always reach my goals? No. Do I get discouraged? Yes. But I look at the fact overall I've lost almost 20 lbs and a dress size. Those are victories. Be a little disappointed, but push it aside and look for something new to aim for. No point in beating yourself up. I also look for inspiration from others who are trying new things and make positive changes in their lives. I can do it too! Getting your mind in the right place is the key. - Christine

My health goal is to eat more fruits and vegetables. If I bring in fruit at the start of the week, I put it in a bowl right next to my computer. It is a simple thing to do, but having it right next to me, directly in my line of vision, leads me to eat more fruit during the workday! - Mary

I smoked for 40 years. When I was young I was invincible and had no concern. Through the years, I attempted to quit several times after reading a smokers horror story here and there. Each time I failed, I always had an excuse. I never really took a good long look at how addicted I had become. This past June I read an email at work about free prescriptions to aid a smoker with quitting. I really wanted to quit, so I went to my Dr. and she prescribed Chantix for me. My wife also was put on Chantix. I could only handle the side effects of Chantix for about a month, my wife had no problem with it. We decided to quit smoking July 9th 2012 and we are still both smoke free today with no intentions of smoking ever again. I think that the most valuable thing I learned this time around was that a person needs to dedicate to a certain amount of time and stick to it. I gave myself one month, totally committed to one month. No cheating, no back sliding, a promise to yourself and the person you are quitting with. That is an important element to success, having a partner for strength when you need support. Hats off to all of the cessation programs that are being offered. What a new and exciting way to climb a stair case, or smell and taste the food that is all around us. - Edward