Taking Steps Toward a Healthy Lifestyle
Jasen Manning set a course for better health and achieved a healthy weight and lifestyle using the strategies and support he received from the TeleMOVE! team at his VA clinic in Newington, CT.
Beginning to MOVE!
In 2016, Jasen made the healthy choice to quit smoking tobacco. Unfortunately, this marked the start of his struggle with his weight. "My blood pressure was always high," he recalls, "and I was not the husband or father I wanted to be." While Jasen tried to reach a healthy weight through what he refers to as "fad diets," he was unable to maintain a healthy lifestyle and lasting progress. "I knew I needed to do something to help me get healthier and be here for my family," he explains. When a VA provider told him about the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans, Jasen saw it as a chance to turn things around for good.
My life has dramatically changed in every way.
Jasen Manning
The Call to Change
Jasen began working with the TeleMOVE! team at his local VA clinic so that he could start building a new, healthy lifestyle from the comfort and convenience of his own home. In his phone sessions, Jasen would receive guidance and support as he made changes to his eating and physical activity habits. This regular support and feedback proved to be invaluable to Jasen throughout his journey. "I started by walking slowly at the beginning and changing my diet," he explains. In addition to cutting down on snacks and choosing healthier foods, Jasen started to extend his walks and incorporate running and strength training. Now, Jasen starts his day by walking 4-5 miles and has his sights set on completing a 5k run to celebrate his birthday and the 1-year anniversary of participating in MOVE!.
Feeling Better with MOVE!
Since starting MOVE!, Jasen has lost 52 pounds. More than just the number on the scale, however, he has noticed a variety of improvements in his health. "My blood pressure has been much better," Jasen reports, and recalling that he used to struggle and become out of breath simply by standing up from the floor, "my energy level throughout the day has increased." Most importantly, "I feel better about myself. I love going on my walks and look forward to starting hikes in the mountains. I look better and make better choices." Jasen is grateful for the support of his wife, his co-workers, and his MOVE! team. With their help, and the daily text messages he receives from the Annie MOVE! Weight Management Subscription, he plans to maintain his new healthy habits and continue to work toward even better health.
