Virgin Healthmiles
I just wanted to thank you for the Virgin Health Miles program. A small group from my agency signed up we have had such a great time with the program. We measured a one-mile walking track around our office parking lot. Every day during our 15 minute breaks, we go outside and walk a mile. The group has slowly gotten much larger in number and we have all become so much closer as an agency. Last week, we were averaging 7,000 steps a day. This week, we have been setting our goals at 20,000 or more. We have had so much fun competing together as a team! It has been a great experience for us and I hope this is not your first thank you letter.
Submitted by Alice Mandt, Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission
Wellness Champion
Two years ago I was diagnosed as a Type II Diabetic due to a lack of exercise and my diet. I immediately went into denial about my condition. I thought I could manage the disease on my own. Wrong...the disease won that battle.
Early in the Journey to Wellness campaign I was asked to be a Wellness Champion for my office. I thought to myself now that is a joke. All of my coworkers are healthy and fit I am the least likely person to represent wellness in my office. Reluctantly I agreed.
Since becoming involved in the Wellness Campaign I have benefited from attending a diabetes management class, modified my diet, lost 35 pounds and started a daily exercise routine by walking using my GoZone pedometer. I would have never attended the diabetes management class if it had not been for an email flyer sent to all of the Wellness Champions.
I have also participated in several local 5k walk/run races this summer. My first race was the Pro Active for Life 5k in June. I placed second in the first timer’s category for my age group!
Since making these small but very effective lifestyle changes I have noticed a marked difference in my energy level, attitude, my ability to manage the stresses of the day, and in the control of my blood glucose levels each day.
This Journey to Wellness program was the foundation of a life style change for me. The journey continues and I can’t wait to see what life brings my way in the next chapter.
Submitted by Wilda Caudle Finance OGC
Kentucky State Police’s Biggest Loser
Congratulations Billie
Several employees at Kentucky State Police (KSP) Headquarters competed in a “Biggest Loser” Contest. Everyone who participated paid a $20.00 registration fee. Fridays were weigh in days. If you gained you paid…$1.00 per pound. The initial weigh-in was on February 16, 2008. The combined weight at that time was 1,748 lbs. Over the course of 11 weeks the group had a combined weight loss of 79.5 lbs. The “Biggest Loser” was Billie McCall of the Academy Branch. She lost a total of 36 lbs. winning the jackpot of $271.00. Way to go Billie! Now KSP Headquarters is 79.5 lbs. lighter. We hope to start a new contest in the near future.
Taking the HealthMiles on the Appalachian Trail
I am back from my trip and I had a blast!! I left Caledonia State Park in Fayetteville, PA on May 16th and arrived in Harpers Fairy on May 23rd a total of 65.3 miles of trail plus side trails, look outs, and shelter and water spurs (some were over a half a mile themselves, I hiked Chimney Rocks, Rattlesnake Run, High Rock View, Devils Racecourse, Black Rock Cliffs, and up to Washington Monument. Unfortunately I lost my “Go-Zone” sometime Thursday so I will not get credit for my steps but the 10 pounds I lost in one week feels great!
Submitted by Phil St. John, Alcoholic Beverage Control
Pro Active Life 5K Run/Walk Success Story (PDF - 87 KB)
Submitted by Marcia Adams, Finance and Administration Cabinet
Cutting 100 Calories a Day Really Does Make a Difference!
“I enjoyed your visit and presentation at our building last week. Your idea of just cutting out even 100 calories a day stuck in my mind. I have been packing for about a month, Richard’s and my lunches. I had already taken out most of our carbs like potato chips and substituted fresh fruit, watermelon, grapes, etc. But the 100 calorie suggestion stuck with me. Then it dawned on me, I had been putting on 2 slices of cheese with his sandwich. I just took one away and got back 80 calories. Just in 1 slice, and he never minded or noticed. To get the other 20 I just put the mayo on one of the two slices of bread. We also pick only 1 or 2 of the extras from a list each day, like peanut butter and celery, carrots and dressing, granola bar, sugar free pudding, sugar free jell-o, 100 calorie snack packs, popcorn, nuts, etc. instead of packing several. We also mostly now take only water, so more calories gone. He is down about 15 pounds, and me a few, we feel great and knows we can do this ‘weight loss thing’ now. The dropping a 100 calories a day works.”
Submitted by Jeanne Triplett, Labor Cabinet
Fitness Challenge Motivated an Entire Family!
“I have really tried to amp up my fitness level and completed most all of the score card options with my 2 children. The ten pounds has been a bonus! So to answer your question, I had started working out a little bit prior to the fitness challenge but it has been great motivation to keep going! I think what the State of Kentucky is doing for its employees is awesome and I look forward to getting more in shape!”
Submitted by Carissa Brown, Department of Criminal Justice Training