Apple Magazine - Fall 2011

My health outlook

My genetics have made me more susceptible to weight gain and the health problems that go with it. I never had a hard time with my weight until after I had my four children. I was so busy working and looking after them, that when it came time to look after myself, I just couldn’t find the energy.

I did get my weight back under control after my last child, but slowly gained it back. I can’t say why—I think I just put myself on the backburner and the weight accumulated. Suddenly, 10 years had gone by and I was 100 pounds heavier and on high blood pressure medication.

At that point, I had no real desire to change because I had grown comfortable with my lifestyle.

The tipping point was about three years ago, when I couldn’t get on my quad. I was having so much difficulty I finally just said to myself: “Okay Gwen, do you want to live or die?” So my weight loss journey began.

I started at a Christian weight loss
retreat, but then came upon the Living Well
Program through Alberta Health Services.

The program enhanced my knowledge about nutrition, physical activity, symptom management, medication management, dealing with difficult emotions and planning for the future.

It took me two years to lose all of the extra weight, but my journey has inspired others lose weight too. I joined the Living Well Program as a volunteer facilitator and it’s been a blessing to pass on what I have learned to help others.

Today, I feel energized because I’m active and healthy. I’ve maintained my weight loss and, more importantly, I’ve inspired others in my family and community to lose weight and take control of their health too.

My journey to live better has allowed me to take control of my health. I will always need to keep an eye on my weight and the problems associated with it, but treating my body well will ensure I live the healthiest life I can.