MOVE success story
When it comes to weight loss, 67 year old Mike Rovin doesn’t joke around. Some of you may know Mike and know that he is quite the joke teller, but a year and a half ago he decided there was nothing to joke about when it came to losing weight and getting healthy.
Mike is a medically retired Southern Arizona ranger, and was in shape “at one time,” but time marches on, and so did his weight. Mike decided that tipping the scales at a cool 310 pounds with a blood sugar of 340-350 was not quite what he had in mind.
Mike quit drinking in 1967 and quit smoking in 2003. Now it was time to focus on his weight. Mike found the MOVE program, and was able to drop 30 pounds! Mike then decided that perhaps the MOVE program was just not for him, so he ventured out on his own. Six to eight months later, Mike rejoined the MOVE program, weighing in at 300 pounds. Mike was determined to lose weight and “Got to try it and stick with it!” Mike began by setting small goals of losing five pounds at a time. He began paying attention to the types of food he ate and his portion sizes. The nutrition education in the MOVE classes helped. He also measured his foods to keep portions in check, and weighed himself every day. His hard work paid off! Mike is now down to 240 pounds. He has lost a total of 70 pounds and his blood sugar averages between 80-127. His hemoglobin A1C is down to 7.6 from an average of 9-10.
If you are interested in losing weight, follow the tips that helped Mike:
- Join MOVE!
- Take your time and lose weight slowly!”
- Measure out your portions with an ice cream scoop.
- Choose 100% whole wheat bread, hamburger buns, etc.
- Watch your fat intake – reduce the amount of greasy food you eat.
Mike has been walking, and he is now adding another notch to his belt, literally! Mike has dropped 12 inches off of his waist, from a 54-inch belt to a 40-inch belt. “I didn’t even know I had feet before MOVE, I know they are there now!” Mike is happy with his success, and so is his dog Louie, who gets more walks! “If I could tell folks in the MOVE program anything it would be to keep up your humor & watch what you eat! It is working for me and I know it will work for you too! Attend the classes weekly and utilize the Health Buddy (if you have one)!”
For more information about the MOVE! Program call Holly Alastra, RD, MSC at 406-447-7369 or Carol Schweitzer, RN, at 406-447-7334, or ask your provider.
