Page 106 - HCPVitalityChronicles

“It’s Never Too Late to Start” – Words to Live By, from Dorothy Moss, Claims

Although personal tragedy has led to upcom- walked every day of her life,” Dorothy said.
ing life changes for Dorothy Moss, Supervisor, “She lived an energetic life. I would definitely
Claims, Casa PacifiCA, she is in a better place like to be like that. My biggest motivation is
to keep up her physical and mental health. to be healthy, not just to live but to be
On December 7, 2016, her 40-year-old son healthy, and not be on any medications if I
was killed in a drive-by shooting. Since then, can help it.”
Dorothy has been taking care of her son’s son, She will have a support system in Atlanta,
her 12-year-old grandson, as the boy’s mother where a former friend from work lives.
passed away from kidney failure a couple of Dorothy plans to walk with her. And her son
years ago. Dorothy, who is 66 and will be retir- is an avid runner and has a gym in his home.
ing on June 30 after 14 years with the company, plans to Dorothy recalled the difficult days just after losing her
move to Atlanta in order to be closer to her older son, and son. People would surround her, and while she appreci-
to raise her grandson. ated the support, she needed some of her own time. “If I
“When death happens with no rhyme or reason, you felt smothered, I just started walking. It helped me to con-
stop in one place,” she said. “But I am not going to be bit- centrate, and it gave me more energy.”
ter or angry. I am going to grieve a mother’s grief and She has not been participating in Vitality so much for ac-
move on.” cumulating points or status as for learning practical tips for
One way she is doing this is through the practical tools life. For example, she drinks much more water now. She
she has learned through the Vitality wellness program, has learned to eat healthier foods and to develop a taste
which she has been a part of for about the last three years. or tolerance for healthier foods that she may not have
She walks every day, and the benefits have made a differ- been used to eating. She also makes a Vitality word list for
ence in her life. She took blood pressure medication for her personal use each week. Recently the word was “refur-
eight years, but her blood pressure has corrected itself bish.” “To brighten or freshen up,” Dorothy said. “Add a
since she has lost about 30 pounds over the last three little bit more to your walk; drink a little bit more water. I
years. Her cholesterol is good as well. find a word a week and take it to my mirror every Sunday
“I used to think being overweight was just part of my night. It’s my motivation.”
family background,” Dorothy said. “Through the Vitality Her fellow teammates have been very inspiring in her
program, I became more aware that my energy deter- health journey. “I have been encouraged so much by see-
mines me; I don’t have to fall back on my family history.” ing them walk, seeing them stop smoking. Some used to
She used to wait for the closest space when parking at a walk with canes and now they don’t need canes anymore.
store; now, she parks far away and walks. She also walks It’s all thanks to the Vitality program,” she said.
during her lunch break and when it has been too hot at Although she wishes she had had the ability to establish
lunch time, she walks under the parking structure for more healthy habits earlier in life, Dorothy said it is never too
shade. She has also bought an elliptical machine that she late to start. “Don’t minimize what a little bit of work will
can also use as a stationary bike. And she does meditation do,” she said. “That is what I want to share with people,
in her garage. especially those reaching senior age. It is never too late to
She recalled her mother living to the age of 94. “She start.”

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.