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Toni Quire's Success Story
On March 26, 2009, I was diagnosed with diabetes. I was in denial about my health for many years living a sedentary life, eating the wrong foods and I watched my weight get higher and higher. After my diabetes diagnosis, I was determined to do something about my situation. Not that I haven’t been determined before, because I have battled a weight problem all my life and have done every kind of diet and nutrition plan there is in existence only to fail after a few months. But this time it was different. I had a different motivator. I didn’t want to lose my feet, my vision or have a heart attack. Immediately that day, I started my new lifestyle and have not looked back.
I have followed a diabetic diet and along with medication, I have lost over 50 pounds. The diet is found at the following site. This site is by the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse which is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health. This lifestyle will benefit anyone who tries it, even if they are not diabetic. It works because you learn how to eat balanced meals throughout the day by making the correct choices.
Not only do I eat correctly now, but I lead an active lifestyle which I thought was gone forever. I also found out about the Virgin HealthMiles program.
Like I said, I started my walking program on March 26, but I wasn’t able to walk three miles at a time until around June 9, when I joined Virgin HealthMiles. I don’t know why, but the pedometer motivates me to walk. I never thought I would say that, but it does. You are so concerned about getting those 7,000 steps a day that sometimes you find yourself running in place at night to get those last few hundred steps to make it to 7,000. What an accomplishment you feel when you get there! Since joining Virgin HealthMiles on June 9, I have walked 2,030,619 steps (950 miles) and have worn out 3 pair of walking shoes!
For those of you just beginning a walking program, please start out slow at first to avoid injuries. It’s important to not overdo it at the beginning. The important thing about walking is getting your heart rate up and trying to do it every day. It doesn’t matter if you walk it all at once or break it up into three smaller walks a day (10 minutes at a time until you can work your way up) you will benefit from the activity and lose weight. Of course, it is very important to drink a lot of water. If you haven’t done so already, sign up for the Virgin HealthMiles program and get the pedometer they provide. Here is the link: http://us.virginhealthmiles.com/pages/home.aspx.
Since last year when I began my lifestyle change, I have:
- Walked in three 5Ks (bettering my finish time with each walk),
- Won a bunch of great prizes from the Frankfort’s Chamber of Commerce’s Biggest Loser Contest 2nd place winner (beat by a man!),
- Joined the Wellness Program at work (Kentucky Adult Education, Council on Postsecondary Education) and our team won a wonderful prize,
- Joined Fit-Time-for-Women’s gym
- Enjoyed the many new beginnings in my life (I’ll be turning 50 this year and am actually looking forward to it because I feel better than I have in years)!
Needless to say, my life has changed and I am enjoying all the opportunities that this change has brought me. I’m not stuck to my couch, in front of the TV, eating and wasting my life.
I know how hard it is to get started. I was very depressed at first. I had lost my best friend, Food, and that’s how I coped with all my stresses. I now try to use the walking and my diet to help with stress. My friend, Food, has become a way for me to eat to live instead of living to eat. If I can do this, you can do this – one step at a time!!
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
Amy Crumbaugh is recognized as a wellness leader!
Click here to read Amy Crumbaugh's full success story
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
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.
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 |
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Ken Warlick, Legislative Analyst, Age 61.
Ken Warlick loses Ibs. by participating in the Virgin HealthMiles Program
Weight Wise Success Story - 2009 Biggest Loser Sherry Sparks
 I have felt frumpy and ugly for a very long time before beginning the Journey to Wellness weight loss program here at THVC.
I have always struggled with my weight and my appearance but over the last few years I have had several abdominal surgeries, stopped smoking, got a desk job, and am over thirty. I have put on a few pounds, needless to say, and was spiraling down into a depressed state.
Anyway, when the Journey to Wellness weight loss program began I thought what the heck it couldn’t hurt to try and at the very least I might learn something.
I was also skeptical that I would not lose anything and possibly just end up feeling worse than when I started.
I quickly learned that Wendy and Nicki were not entirely focused on how much weight you necessarily lose but that you we are healthier and happier. What a concept! It didn’t take me long and I was hooked.
I began with modifying what I ate, portions, lower fat, and fewer calories etc. I did still indulge in a chocolate chip cookie now and then or an ice cream cone as to not deprive myself and fall off the wagon totally.
There is a lot of work involved, it’s not been nor do I expect to ever become easy. It’s like anything else worth having in life, you have to strive for it every day.
I began walking with a couple of the girls here at the facility; we also did palates and some latin dance. We tried to do something each day, even if was as little as 10 minutes and just a walk around the building.
Oh, I was also in the process of adopting a baby so I feel that I contributed to my calorie burn by being up and down all night long. Overall, I feel better and I am beginning to think that I look better and I have more energy.
Since then we have completed a 7-week Journey to Wellness and are planning to keep going. I have lost 30 pounds! My goals are to lose another 20 pounds and continue a healthy active lifestyle. I am now more optimistic that this goal is obtainable and not unrealistic.
Finally, I don’t think I would have gotten where I am if it had not been for the positive reinforcement from our dietitians here at the facility (Wendy Young and Nicki Patrick). They are constantly telling us what a good job we are doing, that we are looking good, and are forever giving us helpful information to help us reach our goals. They are always available and willing to help when we have questions or concerns. They are the driving force behind the success of the wellness program here at THVC.
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
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
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