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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 THREE: SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS
Larry and Linda got their numbers from their health screenings at the Health Fair on November 5—and they were not good.
Larry’s total cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein, which is the “bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides were much too high.
Linda’s numbers were not so hot, either. Her Body Mass Index (“BMI”) and blood pressure were both above the normal range.
Both Larry and Linda were concerned (and a little scared), so they contacted a coach at Heathways, who advised them to make an appointment with their doctor as soon as possible. Their doctor discussed their results with them and put both Larry and Linda on regimens that consisted of a combination of medication and lifestyle changes.
“Well, Larry,” said Linda, what are we going to do about the holidays? Christmas is always a big event at Larry and Linda’s. The food is non-stop, and their entire family looks forward to it.
Larry said, “We’re just going to have to try to eat as healthy as possible without disappointing everyone.”
Turkey, stuffing, ham, lasagna, mashed potatoes, chocolate cake and apple pie. . .
Linda eyed her traditional Christmas dinner menu and then checked the Heathways website for some tips on healthy cooking. She decided that she actually could make a few healthy choices:
As Linda reviewed her new menu, she said, “Larry, we have to really try to limit our portions.”
Larry wasn’t so sure he was up to the challenge, but he said he’d give it a try. Besides, he was pretty tired of feeling as though he was going to burst out of his pants after the big meal.
“I’ll watch my portions if you promise not to smoke,” said Larry.
Linda said it was a deal, but made sure she spoke to her QuitNet coach before the big day.
Both Larry and Linda’s coaches encouraged them to be mindful of their actions on Christmas Day and to do their best to achieve their goals. Both coaches urged them to write down how they did, no matter if they succeeded or not, and to let Larry and Linda know that they would be available to speak to them after the holiday.
Larry and Linda both batted .500 on Christmas Day. Linda smoked one cigarette (she smoked an entire pack last year), and Larry had a small slice of apple pie, but no chocolate cake (and he added fruit to his plate, too).
After the family had left and the children went to their rooms, Larry and Linda congratulated them selves on surviving Christmas and vowed that 2012 would be a healthy one for themselves and for their family.
See how Larry and Linda do in 2012. . . Will Larry be able to root for the Giants on their way to the Super Bowl without eating a bag of chips, pizza and soda as he watches each game? Will Linda be able to resist those tempting cigarettes? Check back soon for the further adventures of Larry and Linda as they take their next steps to Connect to Health.
Chapter Four: The Super Bowl Party
