In My Words... (Part 2 of 6)

Yesterday, I began a blog about the progress The Medical Foundation's six Healthy Me! Program participants have made. The blog, In My Words, has personal opinions written by me: Colleen Hahn, the Manager of Public Relations at The Medical Foundation. Yesterday, I posted the first one with a little background information and my reflections on Shaun Riffle's first month in the program.

Today, you'll learn about Erika Jackson, 33, South Bend, Indiana.

Since the program started, Erika has been motivated to succeed and she has. Sitting with her at Dr. Brian Jacobs office, I could see the determination as she stepped on the scale and the nurse read her weight as 227 pounds. She had lost 7 pounds in one month. 

She had a good month, but it didn’t come without sacrifices! Erika told me that one night she really wanted a Pepsi, but she knows that water is a better choice. She walked down to the vending machine and the Pepsi was completely out, her only choice was water.

Easter Sunday her family ate at Ponderosa. If you have ever tried to watch what you are eating, you have probably found that buffets make it hard to choose wisely.  Yes, there are salads and fruits, but there are also lots of fried foods and many desserts! She managed to stick to a bit of fish and a salad and maybe one dessert. It was a success, considering her choices changed from the last time she ate at a buffet. Again, small changes over time make a big difference!

She’s also been working out under the direction of Memorial Health & Lifestyle Center’s Fitness Specialist, Jonell Witkowski twice a month. Jonell has her doing some strength training and some cardio workouts such as rowing, cycling, planks, modified push-ups on the railing, squats and other exercises. There’s not a moment of down time when you are training with Jonell!

Other successes this month for Erika have been that she stopped smoking cigarettes and she lowered her blood pressure from 126/82 to 110/70.  She is currently taking medication to lower

Her original goal when she met with Dr. Jacobs on April 3^rd was to lose 10 pounds by her birthday, which is June 2^nd. I have no doubt that Erika will conquer that goal and hopeful add a few additional pounds lost to that number.

Erika is walking with The Medical Foundation in South Bend’s West Side Memorial Day Parade and she’s also planning on walking in the 5k Sunburst.  She’s taking strides to conquer her battle with weight, as well as her high blood pressure.

Follow The Medical Foundation on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SBMFLAB and this blog for stories about Erika and the rest of the Healthy Me! Participants. Check back Monday for Bob’s progress.