A Shared Pursuit of Better Health
Working together, this group of Veterans with similar goals shared inspiration and motivation as they set off on a path of managing weight and improving their health.
Stephen Cheatwood, Jackie Hammond, Linda Hayden, and Kenneth Holmes began individual journeys at the Conway VA Clinic in Conway, AR, but then chose to walk the same path as a synergistic team.
Beginning to MOVE!
Stephen, Jackie, Linda, and Kenneth each came to the MOVE! Weight Management Program for Veterans for their own reasons, but they were all united in a desire to improve their health and manage their weight. Over the course of a year together in MOVE! group sessions, they began to lean on each other for support and motivation. They explain that in sharing their efforts with each other and other Veterans, they found encouragement and accountability that led to positive change. Their MOVE! team describes this group of Veterans as “diligent in their attendance, exercise programs and their own individual nutrition plans.” With MOVE!’s emphasis on small, manageable changes to eating and physical activity habits, the group was able to transform their lifestyles for the long term. While each Veteran’s individual plan for improvement was unique, they shared a focus on the fundamentals.
They all agree that they are not perfect, but they know that their goal is to feel and function better and longer, and this pursuit is their focus.
Elizabeth Calloway, MOVE! Coordinator
Accomplishing Their Goals
Since starting MOVE!, Stephen, Jackie, Linda, and Kenneth’s efforts have combined to yield 140 pounds of weight lost. In addition, they have seen benefits to their overall health, including improvement in blood sugar levels. They agree that while they may not necessarily achieve perfect health, they were able to achieve their mission to feel and function better. This group of individuals joined MOVE! ready for their unique battle, and in finding each other, they achieved their success by battling together. The synergy that these Veterans showed in their commitment to MOVE! is a perfect demonstration of the power of the right mindset, the right techniques, and the support of a team on a journey to better health.
