Page 105 - HCPVitalityChronicles

Kurt James, RN, Stays on the Path of Health through

Activity and Dietary Changes

Kurt James, RN, has undergone a lot “I’m hooked on it,”
of positive changes in his year and a Kurt said. “I have more
half with the organization thus far. energy, I am sleeping
In June 2016, he began the Healthy through the night, and
Solutions at Home (HSAH) program, I no longer have acid
offered at a discount to teammates. reflux. Even my mood
Over the course of about a year, has changed—before, I
Kurt had put on some weight— felt heavy and de-
mostly due to lifestyle habits. With pressed.”
going to school, he ate more take- At the highest, his
out food. His physician had noted blood pressure was
the weight gain as well and the fact 160/100. At his recent
that Kurt’s blood pressure had gone check-up in March, it
up as well. was 120/80. Even his
Because he saw a fellow teammate lab work, including
able to go to Hawaii for almost noth- cholesterol, triglyc-
ing due to using Vitality points, he erides, HDL, and LDL,
also became interested in the well- had improved.
ness program, through which he “I didn’t like the way I
purchased the Series II Apple Watch Kurt James, before and after. looked,” Kurt recalled.
about nine months ago. “I wanted to be my best for school. Also, I run a Bible fel-
He is now on phase II of the HSAH program. Since June, he lowship—I wanted to be a good witness.”
has lost 30 pounds. He has gone from two walks per weeks The fun part is his friends asking him what he has done. He
to 30-60 minutes of cardio, 15-20 minutes of stretching, has had to buy all new clothes. And he is currently accu-
and 60 minutes of weights at the gym six days a week. mulating Vitality points for all of his wellness efforts.
During the work day, he is sure to get in two walks during His advice to others who may be in the same boat he was
his breaks, which he tracks with his Apple Watch. in? “Give yourself a goal. Remind yourself why you want to
Kurt is at his target weight, which he wants to maintain do this, and start out slow.”
with the skills and lifestyle changes he has implemented. Environmental control is also something that really struck
The phone sessions through HSAH have helped him a chord with him. “Get rid of the junk. If it’s not there, you
tremendously with learning new nutritional information as won’t eat it.”
well as having accountability. His healthy eating habits are Kurt admitted he was resistant at first. But he would re-
also now second nature—whereas in the past he would al- mind himself of his goal. “Start with one 15-minute walk;
ways reach for chips, now he reaches for fruit as a snack. anyone can do that. Make it non-negotiable. Have a goal
He also eats healthier proteins such as fish and lean meats. and a reason for the goal and hold onto it.”

All information in the Vitality program is HIPAA protected. Members have chosen to share their personal health accomplishments.
For more information about Vitality, visit www.powerofvitality.com. Contact Janet Galli for further program information.