Page 63 - HCPVitalityChronicles

Bicycling Frees Vitality Member Dante Villa’s Mind
While Providing Regular Activity

Sometimes, it’s the little things that show want to be huffing and puffing.”
you how much progress you are making. Be-
fore, Dante Villa, Care Team Member 2, With his Vitality points, he purchased
HCP Glendora, would get out of breath Hyatt Resort vouchers and went on a
when he bent down to tie his shoe. This is trip to San Diego this past January. It
no longer the case. That’s because Villa, cur- was such a wonderful stay that he
rently a Platinum member of the Vitality wants to do it again. Another thing he
wellness program, has made some impor- may get with his points is a better bi-
tant lifestyle changes since the beginning of cycle. He currently rides a mountain
this year. The Irwindale resident rides his bike. “The good thing is because it’s a
bike at least 40 minutes, four times as heavy bike, it gives me more calories
week—starting early in the morning, he to burn,” he joked. An added bonus
commutes to a spirituality meeting in San from his bicycling: he’s saving about
Dimas, and then on to work at the HCP $300 per month on gasoline.
Glendora site.
In addition to bicycling, Villa does
“It’s so relaxing,” he said. “My mind just weight training and walks his dog
flows, and I feel the wind hitting me. I’ve Dante Villa commutes by bicycle to daily. He and his wife take advantage
work from Irwindale to Glendora, enjoy-
lost a good 10 pounds so far, and that’s just ing the exercise and time to think along of these walks to communicate.
the beginning.” the way.
Using the Vitality program definitely
Villa joined Vitality a couple of years ago as a motivation helps him reach his goals, and the proof, as the expression
and incentive to get points and get rewarded for being goes, is in the pudding. “My clothes feel and fit looser,” he
healthy. Over the last couple of years he has focused more said. The most important thing is to make a commitment
on his physical activity level and diet. “I’m Mexican, so I to yourself, he added. “It’s progress, not perfection. At
eat a lot of tortillas and a lot of cheese,” he said, adding night, instead of watching TV, go for a 20-minute walk.
that ice cream is another temptation for him. He’s more Drink more water, and cut down on late night snacks.
mindful of his diet these days, and is attempting to add You’ll see one, two, three pounds come off.”
healthier additions to his food choices. In addition to eat-
ing more salads with chicken, he has also started making He offers these words of encouragement to patients who
tuna wraps as a healthier lunch option. come in with high cholesterol and diabetes. “I tell them,
‘I’m a father, too. Come on, try a little bit of exercise for
The 40-year-old cited another reason for his motivation. “I your health.’ I’m doing this for the long term. I want to be
started my family when I was 20, so my sons are now 21 around.”
and 20. I want to be an active grandpa,” he said. “I don’t

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.