WellBAMA Program Inspiration & Success Stories
I love my workout calendar. This is my best advice for people who want to make a change…Keep a journal! – Rachel Jennings, The University of Alabama Center for Real Estate (ACRE)
Success Story Submission Form.
Gloria Ellis, Office Associate in Logistical and Support Services knows first-hand how small lifestyle changes can add up over the long term. Gloria’s health was less than ideal when she signed up for WellBAMA. She had high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and high cholesterol. She said she was overweight, not exercising enough, eating too much fast food and drinking too many soft drinks.
“I have never felt better,” Ellis said. “Thanks to the WellBAMA program, my health is truly a success story. My blood pressure is under control, my blood glucose has greatly improved, I don’t need to take insulin injections and I’m only a few pounds away from ideal weight.”
Read accompanying UA Dialog article.
Shonna Evans, Custodial Services, has been invaluable in Crimson Couch to 5K program recruitment. “I do it because I had so much fun last year,” Shonna said.
When asked why she was inspired to recruit three CC25K teams (The Misfits 1, 2 & 3) of 11 participants, nine of which are new to the CC25K program, Shonna said, “Employees should really take advantage of the wellness programs that the University offers. Programs like WellBAMA can save your life or point out risk factors you may not otherwise be aware of.”
After asking co-worker Lynda O’Brien to participate in several Wellness programs over the years with no luck, when she said “yes” to joining the CC25K team, Shonna made her put it in writing for accountability! “You don’t have to be a runner to complete a 5K. I walked it last year and still accomplished my goal. I want my teammates to experience how much fun walking/running a 5K can be.”
(Pictured: The Misfits CC25K 2014 team members)
Tony Johnson, Executive Director of Logistical Support. “WellBAMA inspired me to do more with my health. Since I began participating in WellBAMA in 2012, I have lost 20 pounds, two pants sizes and I feel great.
I began playing tennis with some co-workers in May 2014. Never having played in a tournament before, Mike Shelton, Financial Affairs IT, and I signed up for a Tennis Tournament in July. We both went undefeated, playing against each other in the Championship Game.
If WellBAMA had not been available with their offerings of wellness screenings & presentations on health, as well as sending reminders, I don’t think I would have said yes to tennis 9 weeks ago. It feels good that I made it to the Championship game, but it’s GREAT to feel better and lose the weight. I now have a goal to lose more weight by this time next year. I wouldn’t have these goals if it was not for WellBAMA, WellBAMA and an awesome group of guys who love playing tennis together.”
Kristina Hopton-Jones, Director of Dining Services, Lost 75 pounds through healthy eating and exercise. Kristina has been an active participant in the UA Wellness program for the last seven years, but it was her involvement in the Summer SlimDown and Crimson Couch to 5K programs that changed her life. She improved her eating habits and began running to help relieve stress and find comfort. 75 pounds later, Kristina is proof that hard work pays off when you keep your eyes on a goal!
Katheryn Meadows has participated in the WellBAMA programs since she began working at the University and has lost 18lbs. “Summer Family Makeover is my favorite program because it showed us how to be active as a family,” says Meadows. She has improved her health through portion control and walking more around campus. Meadows said, “I think I lost the most during Spring Training with all of the activities that were offered during the program.” She has lost a size and a half and improved her overall health enough that she has been able to successfully reduce her heart medication.
Billy Atkins, senior electronic technician in the Physics Department, WellBAMA provided the support and encouragement he needed to meet his weight loss goals. Down 77lbs. since he first participated in 2010, Atkins has not only moved from Silver to Gold club status in WellBAMA, but his success has encouraged his wife to lose 30 pounds, and his co-workers to exercise. A combination of exercising five times a week on his bike and at the Aquatic Center, eating more vegetables and fruits, and decreasing simple carbohydrates, has aided his success.
View accompanying UA Dialog article here.
Denise Davidson participated in Scale Back Alabama, February 2013, and by the end of the program she lost 12.5lbs. She contributes her weight loss to the WellBAMA programs, resources and her participation in Strive for Five. By increasing her weekly fruit, vegetable and water intake, Denise was able to loose the extra pounds she was hoping for. She also started walking every day at lunch with her co-worker, Trisha Lowery.
Trisha Lowery, Admissions Office, participated in Scale Back Alabama, February 2013, and by the end of the program had lost 14lbs. Trisha began riding bikes with her children on the weekends, walking in the mornings and also walking at lunch inside Coleman Coliseum. She joined Weight Watchers and hopes to stay focused on her goal. “After 7 years struggling to lose weight, I am finally back to a healthy weight and fitness level. I have lost 25 pounds with the help of the WellBAMA programs, Weight Watchers at Work and the Aquatic Center.”
Christina Horen, an employee at Capstone College of Nursing, was part of the 2013 pilot program of Project 180. After making life-altering changes in order to achieve a healthy lifestyle, Christina lost close to 20 pounds over the course of 18 weeks. She is now wearing clothes that she hasn’t worn in years. Through hard work and dedication, Christina has achieved many of her goals and her achievements have inspired her coworkers to seek a healthier lifestyle. Christina’s journey to improved health has paved a road for a great future and we can’t wait to watch!
Chris Spencer, Director of Community Development, was part of the 2013 pilot program of Project 180. Over the course of 18 weeks, Chris dramatically reduced his blood sugar, as well as lost 3 inches around his waist. His accomplishments are proof that with consistency and dedication, anything is possible. Chris is now practicing the principles of a healthy lifestyle and looks forward to a bright and healthy future.