HealthMiles Blog

National Employee Wellness Month: The Healthies!

To coincide with June's third annual National Employee Wellness Month, Virgin HealthMiles is pleased to present our first annual "Healthies" awards. These awards recognize individuals that have demonstrated overall excellence in improving their health. The Healthies celebrate the spirit of healthy behavior change taking place across the nation, and provide an opportunity for individuals to be recognized for their efforts to improve and maintain healthy lifestyles.

This year's recipients include:

• Jon H., Birmingham, AL
• Monique D., Kingston, WI
• Abby S., Kuttawa, KY
• Donna S., Maple Shade, NJ
• Sharon M., Chester, VT
• Toni Q., Frankfort, KY
• Nancy W., Albany, OR
• Mary S., Colorado Springs, CO
• Chas M., Rockport, TX
• Lauren C., Birmingham, AL
• Ramona W., Greeley, CO
• Nick M, Nashville, TN
• John G., Germantown, TN
• Nick E., Duluth, GA

 

Thanks to everyone who submitted their stories and congratulations to our recipients for all their hard work!

 

Healthies Member Spotlight: Nick E.

Walking my way to good health and a 159lb weight loss!

I began this journey in August 2009 at 360lbs with a BMI of 50+ at the age of 59. I was in generally poor health and being treated with med ications for Type 2 Diabetes, Hypertension, Sleep Apnea, and High Cholesterol. I finally came to a realization that something had to change with my life choices towards food and activity. At that time, I started a 1500 calorie a day balanced diet combined with a new dedication to get more exercise through a multiday per week  “Walking” program.  

I first obtained my Virgin HealthMiles pedometer in January, 2010 after successfully losing 45lbs since August 2009. Once I was able to begin tracking my w alking steps through my HealthMiles pedometer inputs and see the positive Virgin HealthMiles site feedback, I became even more dedicated to pursue better health and more weight lose by increasing my daily steps.

By August, 2010 I had lost a total of 90lbs and was ready to take it to the next level. I elected to have a Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Bariatric surgical procedure to provide an additional tool to use towards ob taining my goals. After my surgery, I accelerated my walking / tracking program and reduced my calories to 500-1000 a day. By February 2011 after 18 months on the program, I have lost a total of 159 lbs and continue to strive for another 22 lbs loss to get down to a normal BMI before my 61^st birthday in June.

During this journey I have been able to resolve all my starting health issues referenced above and come off all my preprogram medications. I now have an abundance of energy and an excitement to enjoy my life that I have not had in many years.

I feel strongly that the Virgin HealthMiles program has been a key tool in enhancing self discipline and providing critical positive visual feedback that has kept me focused on my end goal of improving my quality of life and hopefully extending my life time significantly.

Before                                                After

 

 

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