About our Family Nurses
"You got me on the right tract. You provided me with a foundation and helped me access the resources I needed to improve my health. I have lost 5 lbs so far."
"Out of all the education I have gone to, I remember our meeting the most"
About our Street Nurse Program
"I have been taking much better care of myself and feeling better because of you"
"I didn't realize that talking with someone who would really listen to me and take me seriously was what I needed to start taking care of myself"
"I didn't realize some of the things that were really bothering me until I spoke with you (nurse), I don't have many people who I can talk to that really listen."
About our Health Basics Program
about saving money
"Look at our grocery cart compared to 2 months ago - it has fruit and veggies, and fiber - we are proud of ourselves."
"Spending less on food and eating out less - we are saving about $100 a month!"
"This has helped my budget - I only buy what I need!" (2 people)
some advice
"I keep a tape measure on my fridge - every time I open the fridge, I ask myself if I want to lose an inch or gain an inch."
"if you haven't noticed any weight change - let your clothes do the talking!"
"The compliments I get about how healthy I look are like the worlds' best snack!"
"I take the bus to get groceries and use a small wheely cart - I prioritize what I buy - only the necessities - I use the space for what matters!"
"This is not a dress rehearsal - if you're going to do it - get at it!"
"When I started trying to drink more water, I went to the dollar store and bought the prettiest, most funky glass I could find to make it more interesting. It sits on my counter and reminds me to drink water."
"Today's' actions are tomorrows' consequences."
"My support person encourages me to do something more active in the evening instead of watching TV together and eating a big bowl of popcorn and butter!"
"It took a year to gain 20lbs - I've been losing 1lb per week, so I am losing faster than I gained it!"
"I can go further without stopping for a breather."
about the groups
"I think the small group really helps hearing everyone talk and not a lecture."
about their success
"I started eating breakfast and now I'm not a *** anymore! I feel fuelled throughout the day!"
"I felt I managed more comfortably to fit into the airplane seat and I found out that I could put my tray down nearly all the way. I also discovered a new way of viewing or appreciating my loss. My luggage weighed in at as much as I have lost and I found it was very difficult to lift. Can you visualize carrying around a filled suitcase everywhere one goes? I am on to suitcase two."
"Even our dog has lost 1.5" around his waist!"
"I have asthma but I could still breathe at the top of the hill - it felt good!"
"I have been introduced to the wonderful world of fruit and veggies."
"I'm still alive - I haven't been eating junk foods for 6 weeks, but packing a lot healthier foods for snacks."
"I'm not on a diet, I'm on a lifestyle change. I am feeding my brain - eating the right amount of carbs - and I've discovered that I'm not stupid - I've got my concentration back - I thought I had memory and decision making problems."
"I have gone from being pre-diabetic (6.9 blood sugar) to 5.7 - I am no longer at risk anymore!"
"Biggest payoff - I'm in control - I can pass by McDonalds and the chip cart at work. I have curbed the couch eating!"
"Just by increasing my walking and eating 3 meals a day with healthy snacks; my blood sugar is lower than it has ever been! It has never been below 10 until this past week!" Mom - week 3 (Update - by week 4 her A1C's were even lower)
"The more I do, the more I can do."
"I am seeing real changes in the mirror"
"All my levels are down - blood pressure, cholesterol, and I am no longer a borderline diabetic!"
"I used to be a poor sleeper, no since I started this, I've been going to bed earlier and getting much better sleep."
3 people commented that they are more rested now.
"Instead of sending my son to get something - I go do it myself!"
"Everyone in the class looks different - they look healthier and more alert!" Week 3
"I am able to go further each time with the community walks"
"My goal was to walk 5000 steps - I met that halfway through the classes"
"I walk in the morning now and I love it - I hated it 2 weeks ago, but once I switched to mornings, I loved it!"
"I worked the strength training into my walks and also my golfing - it has worked great!"
"Notice a difference in my strength and endurance."
"I have more energy."
"I used to have to plan if I wanted to move from here to that chair, now; I just get up and go!"
"I have more independence and freedom in activity."
"I went hiking with my kids and grandkids and I had to go slowly - but it was so worth it! My 6 year old grandson held out his hand to me to help me cross the stream - and he is scared of water! I don't want to miss moments like that." Another, older participant commented - "start when you are young - start making healthy changes now so you don't miss any of it!"
"I took a pound of butter out of the fridge and looked at it and said to my husband - I lost 4.5 of these! It puts the weight loss into perspective - 4.5 is a lot!"
about their attitudes
"My attitude toward the future is different - I am not accepting things as they are - now I look at how I can do things a little differently tomorrow."
"I look at this as negative interest - you put money in the bank and gain interest - I put effort into this program over the year and I lose weight."
"I like that I am more conscious of what I put into my mouth."
"I didn't think that any of this was in my control - I have a better mental attitude now."
"I have more confidence in myself now."
"I actually look forward to eating a salad or fruit now!"
"It is on my mind all the time about making healthy choices."
"You put these tools in your head and they stay there. "
"I used to feel frustrated that I couldn't do this, but now I know I can."
"I want to keep going - I'm not gonna let my body get the best of me - even though I sometimes feel like quitting."
"I've learned to change the "on or off" behavior and mindset - it's the biggest thing I've learned"
"I believe the little things I do will make a difference."
"Food doesn't control me anymore, I control it."
"I don't take on other people's problems anymore - I don't have to eat because one of my kids has a problem."
"Today is our 30th wedding anniversary and I took today off to plan the next 30years. Attending HB together is an excellent way to start our next 30 years."
"I'm going to take away my excuses (for not eating fruits and veggies) I'm going to make it convenient to eat vegetables!"