Page 46 - HCPVitalityChronicles

Denise Garcia Leads by Example in Her Role as Vitality Champ

The role of Vitality champ fell to Denise Garcia, Senior As champ, one of her biggest responsibilities is letting peo-
Medical Assistant, HCP Glendora (Grand), quite by chance. ple know the Vitality program is there for them. At
A couple of years ago when she was at the HCP Monrovia monthly meetings, Garcia sets aside 10 minutes to talk
site, site supervisor Thu Nguyen noticed that Garcia, who about upcoming Vitality walks, contests and other Vitality
had recently lost about 50 pounds, was diligent about news. “I also try to help people complete their Vitality
walking during lunch. She asked Garcia if she would like to Health Reviews at their desk, and let them know they can
serve as a Vitality champ. “At first I wasn’t sure,” Garcia do their biometric readings later,” Garcia added.
said, “but I accepted her nomination.”
Her dedication to the Vitality program and living healthy
When she moved to the Grand has affected her home life as
location a year later, Garcia well. Her 15-year-old daugh-
was excited to continue with ter is now her gym buddy,
the role of Vitality champ and and her 18-year-old son is
tried to encourage more par- also more active with exercise
ticipation with the wellness because of her example. “Be-
program at the site. Last year, fore, I wasn’t active. Now my
she organized an employer- kids see me doing it and they
sponsored walk, a hike at Gar- are more active, too. It’s easy
cia Trail. Because the trail is and fun to go exercise to-
very steep, participation was gether, and we motivate each
limited, and about 30 employ- other,” Garcia said.
ees took part. She hopes to or-
ganize more Vitality weekend Currently at Gold status in the
Denise Garcia, left, when she first started hiking, and at right,
walking and hiking events for at the gym. Vitality program, Garcia
employees this year. hopes to reach Platinum this
year. Because she loves Zumba so much, she’s also consid-
“I love being the Vitality champ,” said Garcia, who previ- ering getting certified to teach it at the gym.
ously used MapMyFitness and now uses a FitBit. “I am
overweight, and I try to show people that you can take For Garcia, the best part about being a champ is inspiring
steps to take good care of your health. I try to eat good others. “You get to help people see that when you feel fit,
and I keep walking.” Since last year, she has lost an addi- you feel really good about yourself,” she said.
tional 12 pounds.

All information in the Vitality program is HIPAA protected. Members have chosen to share their personal health accomplishments.

For more information about the Vitality program, visit www.powerofvitality.com or contact Janet Galli.