A Labor of Love
When Edward Chavez had a "rude awakening" about his health, he knew he needed to change both for himself and for his wife. The MOVE! team at the Thomas E. Creek Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in West Amarillo, TX, was there to help.
Giving MOVE! Another Chance
Edward’s reason to change was simple. "I found out I had heart issues," he explains, "swelling below my knees on both legs, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure…and God knows what else." Edward explains that all of these health issues "shook me a little" but above all "my first thought was for my beautiful wife." If something happened to him, what would happen to her? Edward had tried the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans long ago, but explains that at the time he hadn’t taken it seriously. "I knew something had to change," he says, "and it had to be me, being committed and faithful and most of all, honest with myself." After a discussion with his physician, Edward knew that he was ready to try MOVE! again.
Do not quit on yourself. Don’t let the thoughts enter your mind. You got this! You can beat this; you owe it to yourself.
Edward Chavez
Answering the Call
Edward chose the TeleMOVE! option, which allowed him to work with his MOVE! team virtually, using the in-home messaging combined with scheduled clinician check-ins. To this convenient option, he added use of other MOVE! tools and resources, including the MOVE! Coach Mobile App and MOVE! Food and Physical Activity Log to keep track of his changes and challenges. Edward faced "every change, even the little ones," with an "all or nothing" mentality. He combined this attitude with MOVE!’s emphasis on gradual, small changes to make a big difference in his health and his weight over time. Edward had the constant support of his wife, who managed the healthy cooking and shopping throughout his journey, as well as his MOVE! Coordinator, Sophia Martinez, who he described as "Instrumental, encouraging and always there to help."
Living the Difference
As a result of losing 40 pounds with MOVE!, Edward has accumulated numerous health benefits, including more energy, better mood and sleep, improved lab results, and "skyrocketing" self-esteem. "I’ve incorporated many tactics and strategies from MOVE! in my lifestyle now," he explains. "I watch and read labels…I stay busy more often…and I can be around my family and church family and not go food crazy. I’m continuing the good fight, and my goal is 60 more pounds!"
