Consistency and Motivation Lead to Positive Change
James Perkins made a serious effort to prioritize his health and nutrition habits in the pursuit of a healthy lifestyle.
With the help of the MOVE! team at the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital in Hines, IL, James worked to establish a new mindset and embrace healthy changes.
Looking for Structure
As a VA employee, James had long been familiar with the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans before he chose to give it a try. He explains that he had struggled to maintain a healthy weight for the better part of a decade before his doctor encouraged him to try MOVE! in 2022. At that time, James had already begun to learn healthy habits and start on his path to weight management. He joined MOVE! excited to take advantage of peer support, additional information, and a structure that could help him stay disciplined in his efforts.
The MOVE! Program helps you help yourself.
James Perkins
Strength from Support
James' experience with MOVE! was just as he had hoped. The group sessions helped reinforce his general knowledge and his new, healthy habits, while his MOVE! team and other Veteran participants provided encouragement, reassurance, and support as he worked toward his goals. While James believes that his journey to better health "was mostly on me," he shared that MOVE! allowed him to channel his determination more productively. He realized that weight management is an "ongoing process" and lifestyle change. He found MOVE!'s focus on setting realistic goals and regularly tracking his progress to be highly beneficial.
Reaping the Benefits
Since starting MOVE!, James has lost 14 pounds. More than just a number on the scale, however, James' new lifestyle has led to improvements in his overall health. He is enjoying being more mindful of everyday choices and loves the fact that he feels better, sleeps better, and has more energy. To maintain his success, James has committed to making healthier food choices, such as removing beer from his diet, and rides his bicycle on a regular basis to stay physically active.
