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Last winter, UNC Health Care employee Kathy Brice was ready for a change. She had recently gained back some weight she had lost before. She knew she needed something to motivate her so she joined the Healthy Heels Weight Loss Program.<\/p>\nLast winter, UNC Health Care employee Kathy Brice was ready for a change. She had recently gained back some weight she had lost before. She knew she needed something to motivate her so she joined the Healthy Heels Weight Loss Program.<\/p>\n
Kathy Brice had lost weight before, but changes in medication and new life stressors resulted in regaining the weight and then some. With her cardiologist emphasizing the importance of losing weight, she signed up for a local health challenge but was not selected. She knew she needed something to motivate her.<\/p>\n
In February 2017, she joined\u00a0Healthy Heels Weight Loss Program and has since lost 50 pounds. Other benefits came with the weight loss: feeling better, having more energy, getting rid of old clothes that no longer fit, and finally, being released from regular visits with her cardiologist due to improved health.<\/p>\n
She credits the support of the group and its leaders for helping her make sustainable changes.<\/p>\n
\u201cLeft to my own devices, I wouldn\u2019t have been able to do it,\u201d she says. \u201cIf I ate unhealthily I\u2019d tell myself, \u2018I\u2019ll start again Monday\u2019 but then Monday would come and go and I wouldn\u2019t do it.\u201d<\/p>\n
In the group, she has learned that each meal is an opportunity to recommit to healthier eating.\u00a0 \u201cThe group has really helped me focus and change my mindset along this journey. It\u2019s given me the encouragement and support I\u2019ve needed.\u201d<\/p>\n
This summer, Kathy took a much-anticipated trip to England and Ireland. She had the energy to walk several miles daily and continued to lose weight, even on vacation.<\/p>\n
“You can still enjoy your chocolate or whatever it is and still be a part of this weight loss journey,\u201d she explains. To other health care employees who might be interested, she advises, \u201cThis is worth it. Every moment that you can take to go is worth it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Health Heels groups meet once a week and has served over 115 employees. Counselors provide information about healthy eating and physical activity, and are available for individual consultations. Group members report high satisfaction and appreciate the nonjudgmental support and accountability the program provides.<\/p>\n
Any employee with a BMI \u226525 and willingness to make changes to their daily routine can participate.<\/p>\n