N Good Health is designed to help you improve or maintain a healthy and happy lifestyle. Over the past several years, employees from all over the organization have used the program to help make their health a priority. These individuals come from various backgrounds and stages in their wellness journeys, but the N Good Health team is always in awe of the dedication they show. Recently, we received an email with an awesome story and we are so excited to share with you today.
This email is from Sharon Nolan, Executive Secretary. From Sharon:
On June 16, 2021 I decided it was time to face my demons. I have struggled with my weight my entire life. Like many people, I fit the perfect pattern of lose weight, gain weight, lose weight, and gain back more weight. I’ve tried numerous programs and some even multiple times. This time I had reached my highest weight ever. I always try to portray a happy and positive person. Sadly, the person that people see outwardly is not the same person inwardly. I was so upset with myself that I allowed this issue to get out of hand, once again. After receiving my yearly evaluation from my boss, it was then that the light bulb went off and I decided to do something about it. For the upcoming year my boss encouraged me to embrace self-care and to take the time needed to “fill my bucket”. As much as he said I do to support others, he reminded me it is also important to take time to “refuel”. His statement touched me in so many ways and truly motivated me.
I shared my deep seeded sadness with a few of my close friends. They too have struggled with weight issues. I proposed that we start our own group and meet weekly at my house. We could provide support, motivation, and encouragement for one another and certainly don’t judge one another. We named our group BOWLS (Beautiful Overweight Ladies). The best part is that it wouldn’t cost a penny. I utilized the Omada website through NGood Health for tracking and received a scale to help track my progress. At Christmas my boss gave me a fitbit and I have synced it to my NGood Health account. I also utilized the membership that Norton offers with Planet Fitness. I try to attend the gym at least 4-5 days a week. My diet consists of eating low carb meals, drinking water, and exercise. I’ve made it a part of my daily regimen and avoid breads, starches, and sugar. Having eliminated these three things have improved my energy level, cravings, and overall well-being.
Last week I went for my annual NGood Health appointment and my doctor was elated with my progress. Since beginning my journey I’ve dropped 80 lbs., lowered my blood pressure, and made improvements with my A1C and cholesterol levels. During my exam, they measured my abdominal circumference and I’ve decreased 9 inches since my NGood Health visit last year.
My co-workers, along with my boss, are very supportive with my new endeavor. I’ve shared my story with several co-workers and some have made improvements with their own healthy lifestyles. Sometimes it takes someone to openly share their struggles in a topic that is embarrassing to discuss. Like myself, you never know who is struggling with their own weight issues and the mental impact it can have on you along with the physical impact.
My hope is that my story can reach someone else that is contemplating a new lifestyle change. I can attest that the benefits far outweigh the struggles. Being able to physically keep up with my five grandchildren and be able to do things that were physically becoming a challenge is such a relief and very rewarding.
Do YOU have a story to share? Please send your wellness success stories to N Good Health by reaching out to Lacey Nelson at [email protected] with the subject line “Success Story”. You never know who may hear your story and get inspired to make their health a priority!