Previous Well-Beings

In addition to the personal accomplishment of running 14 marathons in the last 6 years, Deanna has taken an active interest in the health of her coworkers, recruiting 116 employees from CSR to participate in Active U 2007. It’s been fun for her to share the joys of physical activity and healthy lifestyle with others. Deanna would like to be a role model to her children as someone who advances in years being healthy, vibrant and active.

Wellness is more than physical fitness for Heidi. In her words, “It [well-being] means being emotionally fit too. I try not to stress too much and keep life in perspective. I have so much to be grateful for so I strive for a positive attitude. That makes life so much better.” Heidi balances her busy days with a daily run that she works in early in the morning or around her family and work schedule. Heidi says that well-being helps her see the world differently. “I definitely eat better and make wiser choices about food. I think my relationships are better because I have a good self-image. I am more productive at home and at work because I'm not sluggish or tired. I have strength and energy I never knew was possible.”

Dr. Irwin Goldstein

Dr. Irwin Goldstein is Professor Emeritus in the Department of Biological Chemistry in the Medical School.

Dr. Goldstein says leading a healthy lifestyle gives him an overall sense of confidence and makes life interesting. He is a competitive runner and very much enjoys the Dexter-Ann Arbor run and the Michigan Senior Olympics, routinely winning his age categories.

Events like this are tough at his age, he’s 77, but Dr. Goldstein says completing such events can be very rewarding. He believes physical activity of some sort is necessary to live a full and balanced life. Therefore, he makes time for some form of activity on most days of the week.

Sue DeGroote works in the School of Nursing.

Sue says well being means being able to welcome each day, being able to care for yourself and be a supportive family member, and being able to be a caring and productive employee.

For Sue, well-being has many immediate and long term rewards. At the top of the list are mental clarity and energy. She says with clarity comes better decision making and with energy comes the ability to follow through. This combination leads to greater productivity at work and at home, which reinforces a greater sense of well-being.

Denise is very aware of the importance of a healthy and happy workforce. Her position as Recognition Program Coordinator at UMHS speaks to this. She completely understands that to do our best for our patients, we need to be at our best ourselves. Denise has been a volunteer at the MFit Fun Run/Walk for years and has recruited additional volunteers for this event. She has an infectious rah-rah attitude and cheers for all participants as they cross the finish line. Denise is a champion for MFit in her meetings with senior management and other key leadership at UMHS. Denise’s willing support and enthusiasm for employee health at UMHS demonstrates a true champion for Well-Being.

Judy Lobato was nominated for the Well-Being Award by a co-worker who had this to say about Judy: “Judy enthusiastically shares ergonomic information and tools with her co-workers and encourages others to join her for MFit Exercise and Relaxation classes. Judy takes the time to dig out materials and information that may be helpful to others, and she is just an overall caring and concerned person who wants to help her co-workers be the healthiest that they can be.”

Judy is motivated by four major things: enjoyment of physical activity, needing to be strong so that she can carry 20 pound bags of cat litter, being concerned about her long-term health (fighting off osteoporosis), and not wanting to gain weight so that she does not have to purchase a new wardrobe. Judy describes well-being as peace of mind. That peace comes from physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. Judy balances well-being by working it into her daily routine. She parks off campus and walks from her car to work, and then rides the bus back in the afternoon. On that bus trip, she has time for reading a magazine, which she describes as good mental health time. Judy participates in MFit Exercise & Relaxation Classes at the hospital, which makes it easy for her to do a weight workout right after work. Well-being gives Judy a sense of simple empowerment. She is able to lift and carry heavy loads herself, without having to ask the men around her to do it for her. Judy is getting stronger and stronger and is working towards continued improvement in her strength and overall health.

Lisa Beckman has been an example to her co-workers, demonstrating a commitment to well-being and success in weight loss and pain relief. The motivation for achieving well-being comes from Lisa’s desire to be a happy and healthy 80-year old. Lisa describes a cycle of injury and pain that left her lacking energy and physical activity. To break this cycle, Lisa began physical therapy for her injury, and then started using the stairs at work to aid in weight loss. She schedules a walk of the stairs with herself once for every four hours that she is on shift, as well as fitting in one last stairwell walk on her way to her car at the end of the day. Well-being helps Lisa to feel more energized during the day. Lisa can better manage the stress in her life and, as a result, she accomplishes more.

Veronica Rieberger

Veronica is motivated to make wellness a part of her life by the desire to lose weight and by her Active U team, Team ULAM. For Veronica, well-being means being healthier and more active for her children. She balances well-being in her life by using her breaks at work to walk, as well as staying active with her kids by supporting their sports, hockey and ice skating.

Veronica has lost ten pounds since the start of Active U. This has made well-being rewarding for her, but Veronica says that she is just feeling better overall and that is a reward in and of itself. Veronica is more aware of all the steps she is taking to set a good example for her children and for Team ULAM.

Eileen Plezia-McKenzie

Eileen is enjoying a healthier lifestyle through good nutrition and physical activity. Eileen learned more about diet and exercise through the MFit Healthy Habits for Life Weight Management program and is now participating in aerobics classes twice a week at the hospital.

Eileen’s words of encouragement for those looking to lead a healthy life, “It is important to do any kind of exercise to get yourself in better physical condition. This will make for a happier person now and into the future, and will help to prevent chronic health problems in the future.”

Thank you for choosing me to be one of your well-beings. When I got the call telling me I had been nominated by one of my co-workers as someone who is an inspiration to others, and demonstrates a personal commitment to wellness; I was surprised. I thought well-beings had to be “perfect.” Since I’m not perfect, I wasn’t sure if I even wanted to be recognized as a champion of wellness.

However, after talking with Lisa Schneider, manager of the Employee Wellness Program, I became convinced that I really am an example for my co-workers to follow, and that I have made an impact on others’ lives to make their health a priority.

Four years ago I lost a very important person in my life. My father passed away from a heart attack. He didn’t have a history of heart disease, so his sudden death served as a wake up call for me to take better care of myself. I also wanted to be around to see my grandchildren grow up, so that’s when I made the commitment to fit in daily exercise.

Since then I’ve lost 105 pounds and I am working very hard each day to keep it off. It’s a struggle, but one I’m committed to keeping.

I exercise on a daily basis. I go to Curves three times a week, walk ever day, and take one of MFit’s exercise classes. Physical activity is now such an integral part of my life, that I feel empty when I don’t exercise.

My advice to my co-workers (past and present), and to everyone else trying to get healthier is never give up! Take one step at a time and don’t be afraid to ask your co-workers to join you. You’ll be surprised how much help and support you can be to each other.

I am honored that you selected me as a well-being. I have been active in aerobic activities for over 20 years. Initially, I wanted to get in shape as I approached my 30th birthday and a few of my friends were active in cross country skiing and bicycling. They guided me as I started these new activities and my life changed. Instead of continuing my “couch potato” ways, I embraced the outdoors and learned that winter in Michigan is a true wonderland! My friends coaxed me into entering the North American VASA 30 Kilometer ski race by convincing that I could save $10 if the application was postmarked that night. The next morning, I realized that I had better learn how to ski! I continue to ski race and have been the overall winner and age class winner in many ski races. To round out the seasons, I also bike, run, and “rollerski”.

This past year presented a new challenge as I learned that despite my high level of activity, I developed hypertension and needed to make additional lifestyle changes. My husband and I decided to look at this as an opportunity. I met with Lynn Glazewski, RD at UMHS who helped me with the DASH eating plan (Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension). In 6 months, I lost 15 pounds, lowered my total cholesterol by 40 points, raised my HDL by 11 points, and lowered my blood pressure significantly. Now we eat more food, but the meals are less calorie dense and much healthier. I don’t even miss my daily trips to the cafeteria for soda, chips, and a chocolate chip cookie. I also enrolled in Tai Chi and Meditation classes through M-Fit to help with stress reduction.

The American Heart Association says to “Go Red for Women” and these are my definitions:

Now I have opportunities to guide new skiers and bicyclists and watch their excitement grow as they realize just how much fun you can have outdoors. I enjoy helping others choose the equipment that will match their goals and also to teach people how to ski efficiently. I am very inspired by several colleagues, my brother, and friends who have lost weight through exercise and a healthier diet. Most of all, I am proud of my husband who recovered from a serious bicycle accident this summer and to be with him as we hopped on our bikes, 8 weeks after his accident, rode 430 miles and climbed over 40,300 feet in 7 days through the mountains of Spain.

I feel fortunate that UMHS actively supports employee wellness, particularly with MFit programs. MFit has helped me to become more active and eat a better diet. In the past year I have lost over 50 pounds and eliminated knee pain that was developing, particularly on stairs. I participated in the MFit Healthy Habits for Life twelve-week course. I began wearing a pedometer and usually walked more than our goal of 10,000 steps per day. I’ve worked with an MFit nutritionist to help me develop a reduced-calorie diet based on exchanges from the food pyramid. Even though I eat fewer calories, the food I eat now is higher quality and more satisfying. I consulted with an MFit personal trainer to develop a total body workout, which now includes weightlifting, walking on a treadmill, and a little jogging. I also walk more every day. I was a team captain for the MFit Charity Challenge and also for the American Heart Association Heart Walk.

One reason for my success is that coworkers in my department informally share our efforts toward fitness and we have fun doing it. For me that shared interest grew during the Charity Challenge. Most of our department was on one of several teams in the Challenge, which generally increased awareness of being more active. Our team walked together at morning and afternoon breaks and we talked about lots of things, including working out and eating right. As team captain I set a weekly activity challenge for my team, cooked lunch for those who met it, and also coordinated a potluck with awards at the end. We had a great time, as did other teams in our department. After the Challenge my coworker Heather Tarvis designed and I help her lead our own fitness program called Eurotrip. Our 22 participants turn in activity logs used to move pins with each participant’s name across a map of Europe. We stamp passports, pass out information on different cities, and have receptions in different countries (our conference room). What my experience over the past year shows is that the workplace can be one source of support for becoming more fit. I am happy to be in better health and I think my department and the UMHS have a better employee because of their support.

Thank you for recognizing my efforts to promote health in the workplace by naming me a Wellness Champ, as I have had a long history working with health promotions services. My first experience with health promotions services came when I was working as a public health nurse for WCHD. In that position, I provided in-home health promotion services such as patient/family education, and offered resources for pregnant women, young children, and frail elderly. As a public health nurse, I was also able to participate in well baby, immunization and TB clinics. Since the time spent at that first position, I have continued to promote wellness programs to others as well as participating myself.

During the past year, I have been busy getting out information on health to our staff. By coordinating nutrition in-services, and providing Tips for Optimal Nutrition, we are getting out information to help our staff better understand the roles that different nutrients and foods play. We are now focusing on fitness in addition to nutrition so that our staff has the resources to get wellness information in the areas they are interested in.

Utilizing MFit resources, I have been able to gain a broader view of health maintenance. I have not only been utilizing the MFit fitness centers, but have also participated in their weight management program; in which, although I did not lose as much weight as I had hoped, my cholesterol level improved. Since the completion of that program I have been working with a personal trainer to continue the slow, but steady progress I have been making to improve my health. I have learned that improving fitness level and overall health is just as important as losing the weight.

Bruce Curran began living a healthy lifestyle when he was
25 years old in hopes of preventing the possible health problems that ran in his family. During this time he became an avid running and aerobic enthusiast, and got into the best shape of his life. In 1995, he changed jobs, and because of his new, more sedentary lifestyle, he gained 45 pounds.
Bruce came to the University of Michigan Health System in 2003 where he works as a clinical assistant professor for the Radiation Oncology Department. Since starting his career here, he has begun to gradually improve his nutrition and exercise routine which currently includes two MFit aerobics classes each week as well as bicycling and walking. Bruce has hopes of beginning a running program again soon.

Bruce has the dedication and motivation to make him an excellent choice for this quarter’s MFit Wellness Champion. He has demonstrated how someone can get back on track and live a healthier lifestyle through proper nutrition and exercise. He is a perfect example of the MFit adage “Don’t stop starting!” Congratulations, Bruce Curran!

Martha Angerman is an excellent wellness champ and sets a great example to those around her. She credits her success to the encouragement from her family, friends and co-workers. Martha has participated in the Move, Lose & Maintain program for the last two years.

Realizing that it’s not all about the numbers on the scale, she has gained a whole new appreciation for her body. Martha entered a Women’s only run this past spring, and was able to run most of the race. In addition to physical activity, she has increased the amount of water she’s drinking everyday and has cut back on her caffeine intake.

Martha feels that the most important way to incorporate exercise into her everyday life is to have the constant support from family and friends. Having this determination to incorporate physical activity and proper nutrition into her lifestyle and promoting healthy lifestyles to others makes Martha Angerman a wonderful choice for this quarter’s MFit Wellness Champion.

I started to make changes in my lifestyle, specifically the exercise component, when I learned I had high blood pressure at the young age of 38. I started exercising at the local community center with my sister. Unfortunately, as often happens, medical problems started to interfere. I developed asthma which was difficult to control and I seemed to be on steroids at least twice per year. With the steroids came weight gain and difficulty keeping active. The start-up of the MFit program with a health assessment got me back on the road.

Currently I try to go to the gym 2-3 times per week for aerobic exercise and I have a weight-lifting program for upper and lower body. When the weather is nice, so my lungs don't object, I love to walk outdoors. Frequently in good weather I walk to the local shopping mall which is about ½-3/4 miles from my home.

My diet has some strengths and weaknesses. I love dairy products so I use skim milk, yogurt, and some cheese (preferably a low fat variety). Because I have depleted bone density from use of steroids this is a priority. I love fresh fruits, poultry, and fish, but also have lean red meats. My weakness is a love for anything chocolate and a desire for something sweet after my meals. I also have problems getting adequate vegetables into my diet but I am working on that.

The MFit programs I have enjoyed and participated in are the exercise classes (aerobics, step class, yoga once, stretching) but I gave up on those after I had knee problems and shoulder problems. I now use a special program developed by a physical therapist and the group at the Ice Cube gym.

I think the best motivator for me has been the Move, Lose, and Maintain program. I currently am participating with a group in the Charity Challenge and joined the PAL program. I look for any opportunity to keep me on track and have found the MFit program a great help. To balance off my life, I took a meditation class, I sing in our church choir, and I spend leisure time scrapbooking.

For everyone there are always challenges. I like that Colleen from MFit encouraged me to "Keep Starting" every time I have had a health challenge or family crisis. Phil also is supportive. The entire MFit team is very helpful and very accessible, that makes it easier for me to stay on track. Thanks for contacting me - I love advocating for MFit's programs.

June Escara-Wilke

Ten years ago, I suffered from incredibly horrible and debilitating migraines whenever I was under stress or missed mealtimes. When I exercised, the migraines weren’t as bad. Since then, I tried to perform regular workouts through Washtenaw County Recreation Center and later took exercise classes at UMHS. With the MPower program in 2000, I incorporated healthy eating with regular exercise and progressed from there. I've participated in Stairs to the Stars in ~1997, MPower Program with the annual Health check-up and water and food tracking, several Aerobics,Step Aerobics and Body Sculpting classes since 2000, and several Move, Lose and Maintain programs since 2002.

I use the stairs if I’m not in a hurry and park far so I have a bit of walk to work and back. In the summer, I try to run with my husband at the Washtenaw County Parcourse. We also play tennis, and occasionally bike to the parks for fun. During Fall and Winter, I try to make it to my Step Aerobics class (and occasionally double-up with an earlier Body Sculpting class). It has been difficult with a busy work schedule and heavy workload. However, my body now responds badly to lack of exercise so I try schedule my work so I can make it to the classes. I really enjoy the classes on the 9th Floor of the hospital.

Laura Foess-Wood

One of our wellness champions of the month is Laura Foess-Wood. Fitness has been an integral part of Laura’s life since her early college years when she became interested in running. Her involvement in running raised her awareness of different components essential to live a healthy lifestyle.

In order to maintain a healthy lifestyle, Laura has stayed active through many different programs. She was involved in the MFit Walking Club for 3 years and has steadily been involved in the Move, Lose, Maintain (MLM) program. She commented that MLM helps her to keep focused, especially during the holidays. She said during the holidays she thought twice about eating that extra dessert because of her goal with MLM! Laura also ran the Detroit Free Press marathon. She is faithfully exercises at least 3-4 times a week. Laura and her husband take walks after dinner in order to be active together and share about their days. She also spoke of how she and her husband tried to instill healthy lifestyle values into their daughter, through bike rides and encouraging her to be involved in sports and other physical activities.

As in many aspects of life, having goals gives one purpose and motivation. One of Laura’s future goals is to run another marathon. She would also like to lose a little per cent body fat and lower her cholesterol ten more points. This winter she is enrolling in Pilates with a friend to keep her excited about exercising. Laura encourages anyone who is starting out, or new in the healthy lifestyle realm, to get to know whether you like working out alone or in a group. Sometimes, having some accountability even if it is an individual activity will help keep you focused on being active.

I have always been active and played team sports - since elementary school - and still do. Currently I play on a soccer team. I have to vary my routine periodically or I get bored. I try to walk/jog every other day and do resistance training a couple of times a week. Most importantly, I try and get out and play with my boys, whatever they want to do - roller blade, bike, walk/jog, swim, soccer, catch, tag . . . . . so we are all active and having fun together.

The great thing about MFit is that you can always try new things. I have done Move Lose and Maintain several times and right now I'm taking Tai Chi. I have also gone to a number of lunchtime presentations on nutrition - fats and carbs and vegetarian meals - I always get some good ideas from those.

Periodically I try new activities. For instance, about a year an a half ago I participated in a women's adventure weekend. We spent the weekend repelling, rock climbing, hiking, doing the high ropes, climbing the alpine tower and white water rafting. I think that now I'm much more likely to try something new than to sit in front of the TV watching someone else do all the fun things.

I have been on the heavy side all my life - I'm one of those people that seems to gain weight just looking at food. Now that I am putting an effort into it - eating smaller portions and exercising regularly - I feel like I am in better shape now than when I graduated from either high school or college. I love it when I'm at the NCRB watching (some of) the students and thinking that I'm twice their age, I've had two kids, I'm old enough to be their mother, and I'm still in better shape than they are!

Connie Fink I have been pretty active for at least the last three years. When I bought my mobile home, I began gardening more. I also regularly walk and go dancing. I try to limit my fat content when I'm eating. Also, two years ago, I joined the MFit Walking Club.

I am kept very busy trying to keep up with my active 11 Year old.

Eating more servings of fruits and vegetable along with engaging in regular and consistent exercise has led June to a better and healthier lifestyle, in terms of wellness. June has stopped drinking soda, especially with caffeine. In order to prevent dehydration, she makes sure to drink 5 to 8 glasses of water daily.

This healthy lifestyle has allowed June to feel more energetic and to sleep better. Consequently, she is now able to get through stressful periods at work without suffering from migraines.

Congratulations June for your wonderful success and keep up the good work!

Beverly Manko's Story When Beverly attended the orientation session after being hired at UM hospital about 1.5 years ago, she was informed about MFit classes, nutritionists and personal trainers. Beverly thought,
"Gee, this is great!!! I can take a class at noon and not have to struggle to get off the couch in the evening to go exercise!" She also believed that if enough people wanted to participate in exercises classes, M-Fit would come right to their doorstep on Green Rd. "It didn't take long to get an enthusiastic group together, people were fired up!"

Beverly had been doing yoga for a while and really loved it, but from somewhere came the urge to be a part of a team and actually play a sport. This was something thatwasn't part of her youth, because schools didn't offer girl sports when she was growing up. That fantasy blossomed as her first MFit weight training class, Body Sculpting, produced real and visible results. "Melissa, the instructor, was such an inspiration too, the urge became a real possibility. I could play hockey. For real!"

Beverly had always been pretty health conscious but also, pretty attached to her couch and a good book. Having two sets of clothes, one regular and one with elastic waistbands was normal for her and she had hovered between these more or less happily since college. "When I hit 50, something changed and 'super-sizing' my closet was NOT an option! Now way."

"Fortunately, MFit was there to help me get a grip. I haven't had to get bigger clothes AND I get to suit up into this incredible hockey gear.

Mary Borgerson's Story
Mary Borgerson works at the University of Michigan Hospital in the Urology Surgery Department. Mary is married to Jim Borgerson and has a 15 month old son, Evan. Mary keeps very busy with her work and family, but still makes time for exercise! Mary has been participating with the MFit program since the very beginning. Her favorite class is the Strength Training/Body Sculpting class. She has been participating in exercise classes for about two years. Mary also enjoys the MFit Fairs, expos and presentations and participates as much as possible.
Mary has only continued to increase her exercise habits since she has been involved with the MFit program. Before joining MFit, Mary was swimming laps a few times a week. Shortly after joining, she added weight training to her workout schedule and also started going to the gym with her husband three times a week plus walking at lunch. In the fall of 2001 she started taking the MFit lunch time strength training class twice a week in addition to her regular schedule. Now in 2003 Mary is busy being a mother, but is still excercising a lot. Mary uses the Saline Rec Daycare Center so that she can lift weights two days a week. She also fits in a morning jog before her husband goes to work so he can stay at home with the baby. Mary has set many goals for herself, and one is to compete in one 5k race/month.
Along with the exercise, Mary wanted to start eating healthier. Mary and her husband have made a large eating style change and have been using the Weight Watcher points plan. Mary has lost 20lbs by eating healthy and exercising with MFit!
Congratulations Mary for your wonderful success and keep up the good work!

Kristine Kern's Story
Kristine Kern is a Clinical Technologist at the University of Michigan. A few years ago Kristine would admit that she would avoid exercise. Well, things have changed and Kristine now finds exercising to be her most enjoyable part of the day. Eating healthy was going to be a focus and a goal, but in order to lose and maintain the weight, exercise was recommended. She began her exercise program by walking 1 mile a couple times a week. As she began to lose the weight she realized that she enjoyed walking a lot more and began to increase her mileage and the number of days that she walked per week. She wanted to continue her exercise program and that is when she became interested in MFit.
Two years ago Kristine began participating in MFit programs. She is registered with the Walking Club and also participates in the 70's program, Yoga and Pilates Class. She continues to lead a very healthy lifestyle and exercises daily. Kristine does a variety of exercises to enhance her overall fitness program. Kristine's week is full of activity as she participates in strength/weight training, kickboxing, water aerobics, pilates, yoga and walking!
So now, three years later, Kristine Kern has lost an incredible 125 pounds and enjoys exercise more than ever. In just the spring Kristine participated in the Relay for Life (walked 19 miles) a 5K fitness walk and the Dexter-Ann Arbor 10K fitness walk. She loves being active and challenging herself everyday with new activities. She has already set goals for herself by participating in the Breast Cancer 3 day walk next year and maybe even a marathon.

Please join us in congratulating
Sharad and Ujjaini Khanderia
our first MFit Wellness Champions.

Sharad and his wife Ujjaini are UMHS employees who take advantage of various MFit programs, encourage others to participate (frequently, by example) and live "well". We hope you too will be inspired by their example!

Several years ago I had a 5-vessel coronary bypass surgery. My surgeon told me I was lucky to be alive, as my main coronary was 100% blocked. Shortly after my recovery, Ujjaini informed me that she had enlisted me for exercise sessions with the MFit program, all 5 days of the week. Before I could even open my mouth to protest, she said she had already paid for the sessions and that the tuition was not refundable.

Since I was content with my "couch-potato" lifestyle, I literally had to be dragged to the first exercise session. You can imagine my shock when I found that I was the only man in the class of 25 people. And that turned out to be the case in each and every class! I made up my mind to drop out of the program, but my pleas and complaints only fell on deaf ears. Ujjaini would hear none of that, and again told me that the several hundred dollars she paid in tuition was not refundable. For the sake of peace in the home, I kept going to the exercise classes.

After several weeks, without even realizing, I started to look foward to the exercise sessions. Nobody seemed to care that I was the only man in the class. The sessions were tough, but the instructors were all excellent and very encouraging. I operated on the energy and inspiration that radiated from the teachers.

There have been fringe benefits. Before I joined the exercise program, my HDL cholesterol would not budge from around 28 to 30, despite the many medications I was on. It has now gone up to 47, probably related to the exercises.

Participating in MFit changed my lifestyle, and has hopefully given me the chance of a better shot at life.

As far as hobbies, it is still the same. I love to lie down on my favorite couch and watch television!

Sharad and I are originally from India. We came to the University of Michigan as students and met in Ann Arbor by sheer chance. I was lost in the campus, and of course, Sharad came over to help. Little did I know then that the encounter would stretch to a lifetime. We married in 1967 in Ann Arbor and have made Ann Arbor our home. We have a boy and a girl, both are physicians.

By persuading Sharad to join MFit, I had the benefit of participating in the exercise sessions myself. Part of the reason why the program is so enjoyable is because the instructors are motivating and fun, yet tough when it comes to the workout.

I love music and reading. Sharad says my favorite hobby is to nag him!

Evelyn Devlin is a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the Ob/Gyn department at the University of Michigan’s East Ann Arbor Health Center, where she has worked for three and a half years. She is extremely dedicated to her job and puts in a great deal of time and hard work. Being part of U of M’s health system has encouraged Evelyn to lead her own healthy lifestyle in order to enjoy herself and get the most out of life!

Two and a half years ago was when Evelyn decided to make some major changes in her current routines. She decided she wanted to be fit in order to keep up with her twin grandsons. She was also very concerned about her weight at this time because diabetes runs in her family and she feared being diagnosed with the terrible disease. She began exercising more often when she joined Curves and went there two to three times a week. She also altered her eating habits so that she now follows a low carbohydrate plan and makes sure she eats a lot of soy. Eventually, with hard work and persistence, she lost thirty pounds!
Evelyn took her exercising practices up a notch from her two to three times a week plan when she started circuit training classes with MFit’s Employee Wellness Program. This was a major turning point for her because it revived her allegiance to healthy living. Along with keeping her fit, Evelyn says that exercising with the MFit class has yielded other amazing benefits. Suffering from arthritis and bursitis had been horribly burdensome for Evelyn, but “The Monday night circuit training class has given me stamina to do my job for nine hours!” By working to make her muscles stronger through the MFit class, Evelyn not only toned her body, but also alleviated the pain she used to endure on a regular basis.
Evelyn started her MFit class last year and is currently in her third session. “I love that it’s right here on-site after work” she says. This convenience has been terrific for her and keeps her coming back every Monday night, week after week. She also loves the instructor, Phil Welch. Evelyn claims that “Phil is encouraging and adapting, especially with my arthritis and bursitis.” The feeling of a good workout afterwards is wonderful, and Evelyn says she has it every Monday night after class. She finds that “Phil really works us hard,” but that it’s all worth it at the end of the class. She leaves feeling excited and energized and is left invigorated all week!
Evelyn is honored to be chosen as one of MFit’s Wellness Champions and does her part to promote health and well-being to her family, friends, and co-workers. She sets an ideal example and has tried to extend her revitalized lifestyle to others by encouraging her peers to join her in her MFit class. She has also added cross-training to her plan by cycling using the spinner her son bought her when she can.
Evelyn’s evaluation of MFit is that “The program is wonderful!” Her family, in addition, has been incredibly supportive of her healthy goals. Evelyn maintains that “You don’t always have control over your genetics, but you can change your lifestyle” and by doing so, she has drastically decreased her risk of diabetes. By continuing to pursue engaging exercise activities and eating healthy foods, Evelyn restores her commitment to fitness, nutrition, and well-being each and every day.

Sandy Dodge is a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with MedRehab at the Briarwood location. She has worked with the University for 27 years. Even with her busy schedule, Sandy makes sure to fit in time to nourish and strengthen her body and soul by engaging in healthy habits. Her devotion to a healthy lifestyle is encouraging to others and makes her a perfect candidate for an MFit Wellness Champion!
When MFit began its Move, Lose, Maintain (MLM) program several years ago, Sandy was one of the first people to sign up. She has been participating in it ever since that initial session and she “loves the program.” She says there is something about the group, perhaps the accountability factor, that enables her to stay focused, conscientious, and dedicated to her healthy lifestyle. Right now Sandy is content with her weight, but just likes the idea of having support to help her maintain it. She finds that the MLM program is the perfect way to do this.
With the start of the most current MLM session, Sandy decided it was time to make some additional changes to her routines. She became even more dedicated to being aware of her food intake. She also started increasing her fruit and vegetable servings, watching how much junk food she eats, and she even began to explore fun, new ways to exercise. These changes have made an extraordinary impact on her life.
Sandy used to walk everyday with her dog, but now she mixes things up by incorporating a Pilates class into her schedule two times a week. By altering her traditional exercise customs, Sandy keeps things interesting and also makes her body work in different ways. This ensures that she will develop and progress. Sandy claims that Pilates has been wonderful and, she finds that, “It helps a lot with my flexibility and energy.” In addition to these benefits, she says that she feels great and also is able to sleep much better, thanks to her Pilates class.
Another important wellness practice in which Sandy partakes is relaxation. She likes to listen to calming music and loves to read. Taking time for herself is both meaningful and advantageous because it restores and energizes her after the daily stressful happenings in this fast-paced world!
Sandy would love to participate in more MFit programs besides MLM, but it is difficult for her since she lives in Plymouth and often works off-site. The important thing, however, is that she makes time for fitness in her day, one way or another! She also has a twelve year old son with whom she likes to who she likes to exercise. Eating healthy foods, committing to exercise, and taking special time for relaxation gives Sandy the drive to get through her busy days and to do so with invigorating vitality!