Joslyn Pribble is Methodist Health: Embracing Change
By Joslyn Pribble
Joslyn is a manager in Pathology at Methodist Dallas Medical Center. She has become more active and is making healthier decisions every day.
1. Congratulations on reaching month four of I am Methodist Health. We want specifics this month. What can you do now that you couldn’t do three months ago?
I can climb 10 flights of stairs without taking a break. I have never been able to do that before! I can shop for clothing in any store I want, and I am no longer limited by my size. When I go walking with my husband, not only can I keep up with his long strides, but I can walk faster than he. I never thought this would be possible. I can turn down desserts and other sweets without the decision weighing on my mind after I make the choice to pass.
2. What is the most important aspect of your program that keeps you on track? Why and how does it affect your progress?
Having the knowledge to make healthier choices has been the key for me. I know how to read nutrition labels and actually understand what that information means. I have the tools to make plans for events that may include choices that are not as good for me. Exercise is another big piece. I know how to use weight machines that I never would have attempted before this program. I also have a back-up plan for exercising if the weather does not allow outdoor exercise or if I am traveling. Having all of these new skills makes it so much easier to be confident in my choices.
3. Give me three specific tips of what you’re doing to make better food choices or to increase or maintain your exercise activity?
- Get rid of the junk food from your house and replace it with healthy, low-calorie options. Remove the temptations!
- Get a buddy to help you tackle the changes. Success is much more likely when you have someone you can exercise with and talk to.
- Educate yourself! Meet with a health coach at Methodist Health System or look at well-respected sources for information on exercise and the nutrition content of foods. Avoid going to sites on the Internet that promote fad diets and unsafe supplements. If there was a magic pill that worked, there would be no obesity.
4. If your co-workers want to get started on their wellness programs, what should they do? Whom do they call? Where do they start?
I think everyone should start with a health coach in our wellness department. Call and set up an appointment. These coaches are professionals with lots of experience and vast amounts of knowledge. They can help you determine your baseline and set some goals.
Start exercising. If you think you want to try the gym but are unsure, go to one of the gyms and ask for a free pass to check it out. Most gyms, including Folsom here at Methodist Dallas Medical Center, offer a trial pass so you can see what it is like before you commit to a membership. If you don’t think the gym is for you, at least start moving! Walking at lunch or around the block at home is a great place to start. Park further away from your destination, then walk more and take the stairs. You may have to start with small steps, but you will find that you can build up your time and endurance with just a little more effort. Check out the Methodist wellness website for many great resources. Getting fit does not have to cost a lot of money!
In March, my biggest sense of accomplishment came when I had my biometric screening. While my labs are not perfect, my total health is so much better than it was at the end of 2012. During the 12-week program, I lost more than 30 pounds and 5½ inches from my waist, and my cholesterol dropped 61 points!
