Setting His Mind on Better Health
Michael Matrishon believed in himself and his ability to accomplish his goal of a healthier weight and worked with the TeleMOVE! team at the Edward P. Boland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Leeds, MA, to build a new, healthy lifestyle.
Starting to MOVE!
Michael explains that he began looking for a way to manage his weight for a simple reason. "My health and weight were not good," he recalls. Michael began his efforts by attending a local gym, and then his VA provider recommended the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans. The TeleMOVE! option allowed Michael to start the program from the comfort and convenience of his own home.
Do it! And do it for yourself!
Michael Matrishon
Focusing on a Healthy Plan
For Michael, MOVE!’s lifestyle approach to weight management allowed him to focus on adjusting two main factors. "Learning what to get rid of in your diet and doing physical activity" were the behaviors Michael chose to change. For the former, he focused not only on the types of foods he ate, but also the portion sizes. Michael maintained the physical activity routine he had started at the gym and tracked it along with his food choices in the MOVE! Food and Physical Activity Log, sharing, "the log is essential!" He was also prescribed weight management medication which complemented the lifestyle changes he had already made. Most importantly, Michael explains, "it’s a mindset! If you believe in yourself, and in wanting to live a longer life, [MOVE!] will open your eyes."
Enjoying His New Lifestyle
Since starting MOVE!, Michael has committed himself to keeping his healthy habits for the long term and has seen benefits in many ways. In addition to losing weight, he has more energy and a better attitude! He is more flexible and can walk "without huffing and puffing." Michael is grateful for those who have supported him along his journey, including his girlfriend, the team at his local gym, his MOVE! team, and his VA pharmacist.
