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To help you connect to, and take charge of, your health and wellbeing, the PHBP would like to introduce you to Linda and Larry. We hope you enjoy our “reality” programming—and get some helpful tips for taking advantage of your benefits and connecting to your health.
Meet Larry and Linda. Larry is an IBEW Local 3 member. He is married to Linda and they have two teenage kids. Larry is 43, 20 pounds overweight and does not exercise on a regular basis. Working all day as an electrician is exercise enough. He enjoys watching sports on TV and occasionally walking the dog. Linda also does not exercise on a regular basis. Caring for her family and home take up all of her energy. Linda smokes a pack a day and would like to lose 15 pounds.
Let’s join them on their journey to healthier lives. . . .
CHAPTER FOUR: THE SUPER BOWL PARTY
After New Year’s, Larry and Linda were doing a good job of keeping to their commitment to living a healthier life. Linda had not had a cigarette in three weeks and finally threw that last pack away. They were watching their diets carefully, walking (and enjoying the mild winter), going to the gym twice a week and staying in touch with their Healthways and QuitNet coaches. Linda was almost ready to try that black dress on and Larry was able to touch his toes and fit into pants that he hadn’t been able to wear in years. Even their kids noticed how good they were looking (and they hardly notice anything).
They were on a roll, but Linda sensed that Larry was troubled about something.
“Are you nervous about the Super Bowl Party this year?” she asked him.
Yes. That was it. Larry’s Super Bowl Party was famous for the never-ending variety of wings, spareribs, chili, nachos, beer and assorted snacks. His Local 3 buddies, Joe, Frank, Bob and Eddie, were invited every year and were counting on him. It was a tradition!
“What am I going to do?” he asked. “I don’t want to let the guys down, but I don’t want to undo all of the hard work I’ve put into losing weight and getting healthier.”
Linda was very understanding. “Larry, you’re just going to have to tell them that the menu will be a little different this year. And I promise to try to come up with some healthy alternatives that are just as good.” Larry figured he would be watching the Super Bowl with just Linda and the kids this year.
Larry made the dreaded phone call to Joe (who, truthfully, could stand to lose a few pounds himself), broke the news that there would be no more of the usual heart-attack-waiting-to-happen menu and waited for Joe to laugh at him. But Joe didn’t laugh. And much to Larry’s surprise, Joe told him that he also had enrolled in the Healthways coaching program and was trying to lose weight. “Since Frank, Bob and Eddie could also lose a few pounds, maybe we can talk them into doing a weight-loss program together with us.”
Larry thought that was a great idea. Joe talked to Frank, Bob and Eddie and they all agreed that they could enjoy the game without stuffing themselves senseless.
As usual, Linda came through with a delicious spread. They probably all ate a little too much, but the food was much lighter and they were all mindful of what they were eating and drinking. Larry thought he caught Eddie looking at Linda a little too closely at one point, but he figured it was because Linda was looking so fit lately. Larry was proud of her—but he made a mental note to keep an eye on Eddie in the future.
It was a perfect day and a perfect game. The Giants won and so did Larry and his Local 3 buddies because they stuck to their plan under difficult circumstances. Bob, Eddie and even Frank said that they would be interested in joining a weight loss group with Larry and Joe, and that they would even ask other Local 3 friends to join. Bob had received a few calls from Healthways that he never returned. Maybe now he would call Healthways back and look into their program to see if it was something that would work for him.
After everyone had gone home and the kids had gone to their rooms, Larry thanked Linda for making the party such a success. “Just for that,” he told her, “I’m going to get you something really nice for Valentine’s Day.”
“Just make sure it’s not a box of chocolates,” said Linda. She was thinking something bright and shiny would go much better with that black dress that was ready to make its appearance.
Will Linda reach her goal and be ready to fit into her black dress? Will Larry and the guys stick to their plan to lose weight together? Will St. Patrick’s Day trip them up? Stay tuned to find out. . .
Earlier Chapters
Chapter One: The Journey Begins
Chapter Three: Surviving the Holidays
