Success Stories
Iliana Pluta, Abbott Molecular
Iliana's family history of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease opened her eyes to the reality that these conditions could impact her future if she didn't make some changes. She had a love for junk food that left her feeling tired and sluggish most of the time and affected her motivation to workout. Taking a good look at her health numbers, Iliana started to set small goals she knew would lead to healthier habits.
The most significant change Iliana made was to her diet. Starting small, she would grab an apple instead of a bag of chips or drink water instead of soda. With these minor changes, she started to notice she had more energy. With this newfound energy boost, she began taking the stairs instead of the elevator and parking her car further away in the lot. Again, with more movement came even more energy.
Now, Iliana has lost unwanted weight and kept it off, and has a regular workout routine at the gym with her kids. Along with walking, bike riding and lifting weights, she has tried aerobics, step and yoga. Her family has been an excellent source of motivation and accountability, keeping her going through challenges. They keep a calendar in the kitchen to keep track of workout activities to do as a family each week, along with a weekly menu and grocery list to help them continue eating healthy. Last year, at the suggestion of her son, Iliana participated in the Warrior Dash, which consisted of running through mud, climbing steep hills, climbing over rope walls and crawling under barbed wire. It was tough, but she's already making plans to do it again this year!
The helpful tools available through LiveLifeWell helped Iliana on her journey to better health. She recommends the LiveLifeWell food journal to help with healthy eating. She also was encouraged by the support of her Health Coach. "I rely on these programs," says Iliana. "It's a constant reminder of how important your health is. These are [Abbott's] Benefits, I urge you all to use them to the fullest!"
Steve Lang, Abbott Diagnostics
Steve's life changing moment occurred after he attended an onsite LiveLifeWell health screening. He was referred to a Health Coach, who encouraged him to see his doctor for further evaluation of some of his health numbers. Steve says he never would have gone to his doctor if it weren't for the onsite health screening and support from his Health Coach. But after starting his journey to better health, Steve is glad he did.
Meeting with a Health Coach kept Steve accountable to set and keep his goals. Meeting every 5-6 weeks gave him the motivation to stick to his healthy eating regimen between visits, and to be more mindful of his exercise habits because he wanted to share the good news with his Health Coach.
Now, Steve has lost weight, understands the vital role of good nutrition in his life and feels better overall. After opening his eyes to the importance of a healthy lifestyle, Steve pays better attention to himself and what his body needs to function properly. Looking at nutrition labels to identify what he's eating was an important step in his process.
Not only has Steve made great strides for his own health, but his living example has inspired several co-workers around him to seek guidance from a LiveLifeWell Health Coach, too. His powerful transformation, both physically and mentally, spoke clearly to those around him that this method works. "If you're not feeling well, do something about it," Steve says. "Life gets in the way, but you don't have to let it overtake you."
Bob Fisher, Global Engineering Services
Bob faced some health obstacles like many Americans do – type 2 diabetes, weight management issues and low energy – coupled with a tough work schedule. He had some preconceived notions about nutrition that made him stay away from certain foods, like carbohydrates, but often felt dissatisfied with his meal options.
Since meeting face-to-face with a LiveLifeWell Health Coach, Bob has found balance and accountability while making healthy lifestyle changes. Health coaching provided Bob with a consistent meal plan, and nutrition education that helped him better understand how his food choices related to calories and weight management. He even learned that he needs carbohydrates for a balanced diet, which has given him greater satisfaction as he continues to lose weight. He also committed to a workout regimen that has made him stronger, and given him the ability to stretch himself beyond what he thought he could do.
Now, Bob has lost a significant amount of weight, has reduced his A1C (blood sugar test), and is able to workout at least 40 minutes at a time, three days a week. When he started on his journey, he could only do about three minutes of cardio exercise at a time. He plans his meals ahead of time and looks at the menu before going to the cafeteria or out to a restaurant so he can decide on the healthiest option from the start.
Bob's advice to other Abbott employees is to take advantage of the free resources through LiveLifeWell. He says, "I can't say enough about the power of face-to-face meetings. Try to meet with a Health Coach; they are totally dedicated to a healthier lifestyle for you. You've got nothing to lose and everything to gain by meeting with them and committing to follow their suggestions."
Lourdes Bonilla, Global Pharmaceutical Operations
After struggling with high blood pressure, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes, success came for Lourdes when she decided to make a change for herself. Not that success would be easy, but she was able to focus on her goals and mentally prepare herself to make a major lifestyle change.
Working with a LiveLifeWell Health Coach for a few years helped Lourdes manage her goals and set action steps to help her reach them. Meeting with the Health Coach regularly (every 6 weeks) kept her accountable for incorporating healthier foods into her diet, watching portion sizes and making exercise a priority throughout the week. She used the LiveLifeWell website to track her health numbers and watch her progress, as well as reviewing recommended health articles.
Now, Lourdes has lost a significant amount of weight, has participated in multiple 5K races and recently completed her first sprint triathlon! Not to mention, her cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels are all normal.
“Reaching my health goals moved my success into other avenues of my life.” Lourdes said, as she reaps the benefits of healthy living in her work and personal life. Her next goal is to maintain her weight and try for a half marathon!