Motivated to MOVE!
Bill McNamara found support to help him develop new, healthy habits to manage his weight and improve his overall health.
With the help of the MOVE! team at the Palo Alto VA Medical Center in Palo Alto, CA, Bill was introduced to strategies that would help him reach and maintain his health and weight loss goals.
Getting Serious About Health
"When I was younger," Bill recalls, "I used to be an athlete, participating in multiple sports a year." Bill also weightlifted to stay fit throughout his years in the military. Recently, however, a series of injuries made it difficult for Bill to stay active. "I started eating too much, noticed I was having shortness of breath, couldn't move like I used to," he explains. Early in 2024, Bill resolved to do something about his weight. To supplement his independent efforts at home, Bill's primary care provider recommended the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans.
Do it and do it right!
Bill McNamara
Working to Change
Bill began attending MOVE! group sessions and enjoyed them greatly. "It was always the highlight of my day," he recalls. He also began to attend Be Active and MOVE! exercise sessions to increase his physical activity. While Bill struggled with his range of motion, the option of chair exercises made it possible for him to join in. Bill also began changing his eating and drinking habits to be more mindful about his choices. "What was most helpful to me was learning about proper food portions, food groups, and what pairs up well together," he explains, and further shares, "I felt inspired to make a variety of meals and avoided being bored of the same old things." Bill also signed up to receive motivational text messages through VA's Annie Weight Management Subscription to help him stay on track.
Enjoying Better Health
Since starting MOVE!, Bill has seen improvements in many areas of his health. "I am 59 pounds down and counting," he says, "my energy levels have increased, [and] my pain in my hip and knee have decreased." He no longer needs his cane as often and has lowered his blood pressure. He is taking full advantage of his ability to move around more easily and being more active as he renovates his home. With the support of monthly MOVE! Maintenance group sessions, Bill plans to stick with his healthy habits and can't wait until he's ready to get back on his motorcycle and enjoy riding again.
