Small Changes Led to Big Differences
Gerald "Jerry" Johnston "made up his mind" and dedicated himself to adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Jerry developed new habits with the help of the MOVE! team at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago, IL, and was able to manage his weight and improve his health.
An Eye-Opening Experience
For most of his life, the struggle to maintain a healthy weight has been a recurring issue for Jerry. As a child, his weight fluctuated a lot. With a more active lifestyle in high school, and later while active in the Air Force, he was better able to maintain a stable weight. Once he returned to civilian life, he noticed that he was "picking up weight again." Jerry started a new job that led to a more sedentary lifestyle, and in time, he also developed heart and breathing problems. After an ER visit to address his respiratory symptoms, his cardiologist reached out and recommended that he participate in the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans. Jerry says, "This was the eye opening for me to join the MOVE! group."
Don't put it off. Join MOVE! and take it from there.
Jerry Johnston
Focusing on the Little Things
Once Jerry’s journey with MOVE! began, he discovered that small, manageable changes could lead to a great difference in his weight management efforts. Choosing to participate in a combination of group and individual care, he learned helpful tips such as how to maintain a food log, manage healthy portions, and how to create a more regular routine to be physically active. "I learned some self-control," Jerry explains, "and how to pay attention to what I eat and how much I eat." In addition, Jerry felt a sense of connection and motivation when hearing stories from Veterans in MOVE! with similar struggles and goals.
Continuing to MOVE! Forward
Since first starting to build a new lifestyle with MOVE!, Jerry has lost 25 pounds, and he plans to maintain his healthy habits for the long term. He shares that he has noticed a marked decrease in his knee pain and is now more mobile. He says, "I’m not sitting around all the time now [and] looking forward to increasing my daily walking."
