Page 78 - HCPVitalityChronicles

Rain or Shine, Elaine Castillon, RN, Starts Walking

Her Way to Better Health

Sometimes, even when you know Since she has started walking, she
you could make a change for the has seen her neighbors more and
better, it’s hard to get started. Posi- they encourage her, telling her
tive encouragement from someone how good she already looks from
who cares can help. This was the being more active.
case for Elaine Castillon, RN, HCP
Mariner, who has been with HCP “It’s infectious,” she said about
for 10 years. walking. “Once you feel good, you
tend to want to do more. I would
“Over the years, Dr. Sophie Chang tell anybody to try walking for two
has been trying to get me to sign up weeks. Once it become a pattern
with Vitality,” Castillon said. For it’s easier to follow. And you can
some reason, on November 17, make it time you look forward to,
2014, Castillon listened. “Dr. Chang either your quiet time, time to
Elaine Castillon walking in her neighborhood, where
had said, ‘No excuses.’” she gets encouragement from others. enjoy some music, or visit with a
friend.”
Since that day, Castillon has changed her approach. She
walks three miles a day, every morning, without fail. “I “I am so proud of our teammate Elaine,” Dr. Chang said. “For
started walking that day because I made her a promise,” she me, she embodies someone who perseveres. She brings to
said. Castillon is also staying away from fried foods and other my mind what Henry Ward Beecher once said: ‘The differ-
unhealthy options, preferring baked chicken, turkey, and ence between perseverance and obstinacy is that one comes
fish, and healthier snacks such as carrots, apple, and string from a strong will, and the other from a strong won't.’ Elaine
cheese. “People bring in donuts to work. Now I just walk made that choice.
right on by it,” she said.
“Since she made that promise of getting in better health by
She keeps track of her steps and earns Vitality points with a walking more, she has persevered in her goal despite a lot of
recently purchased FitBug, and has already lost 10 pounds. obstacles. For Elaine, starting that first step and then keeping
She plans to steadily increase the amount she walks over on took a lot of will and planning, but she persevered and
time, and she also wants to ultimately get off of her blood achieved her goal. It just goes to show, when you persevere,
pressure and cholesterol medications. you make things happen. Perseverance has a happy ending.”

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.