Feeling healthier stories
Read the following stories about how Health Trainers helped people to feel healthier:
Wendy's Story
Wendy first noticed trouble with her back when she was working at an Acomb store, which involved lots of bending and lifting.
Scans showed she had fractures in her vertebrae and that she had osteoporosis, which she now has medication for.
She discovered the health trainer service and the way they help people to lose weight and get more active, at a musculoskeletal appointment and information event at York Community Stadium.
Wendy was soon signed up with health trainer Emma who she saw at regular sessions at Energise in Acomb.
She said: “I felt like I’d known her for ever and could tell her anything – she was so encouraging but not judgemental and always made me feel so positive about myself. At the back of my mind I knew certain things I should be doing, I just needed a push and she encouraged me.”
Making small changes meant that Wendy lost half a stone in the first few weeks. She started snacking on nuts and seeds instead of sweet treats, she stopped having a biscuit or cake after a meal and generally watched more carefully what she ate. She also does pilates and tries to get out for a walk every day.
If I go out maybe I’ll share a course or don’t eat all the food on my plate and wrap it up and take it home.
“I feel better in myself, far better than I was. I’m determined to carry on - this is my life now. I knew what I needed to do, but I needed more detail and more information on how to do it – now I’m much more aware of what I’m putting into my body.”
Jocelyn's Story
New mum Jocelyn said she felt happier and stronger after being supported to make changes to her lifestyle by health trainer Saffron.
Jocelyn came to the service a few months after having a baby boy, and found that walking more, tracking her exercise and thinking more about her diet, all helped.
She said: Being with the health trainer has helped me to be more careful about what foods I eat without being stressed about it and that has helped me to feel better.
“Maybe my weight hasn’t been the best going down but I feel better in my body, I have more mobility and more energy and my clothes fit better, and I’m stronger, so just happy overall, which is the most important thing.”
Her aim was to take care of herself better but to balance any changes with the rest of her life.
The health trainer helps you to have a structured system and plan that you co-create that is something achievable and not something scary like when you go into a gym or something!
“I have seen changes from my own effort but as well because I’ve had the support of my health trainer who has made me feel comfortable to taking these steps without feeling pressured.”
Steve's Story
Steve tried range of different diet plans before changing his lifestyle and losing a stone in weight with the support of York Health Trainers.
He was referred to the team by his GP after visit about his blood pressure, and after initial appointments with health trainer Saffron, she referred him for a free 12-week membership of Slimming World. He continued to see Saffron for regular appointments alongside this.
Steve found the structure of a diet plan and regular weigh-ins suited him. With the encouragement of Saffron, he also joined a gym, something he had been reluctant to do in the past, and also uses exercise equipment at home.
The combination of a change in diet and regular exercise helped him lose a stone, lowered his blood pressure and relieved pain he was experiencing in his knee.
A self-confessed chocaholic, Steve said he had switched to a treat of two pieces of dark chocolate a day and found the Slimming World recipes worked for him and that he was able to eat foods he liked like bacon, potatoes and eggs. He also achieved “Slimmer of the Week” three times!
Steve said: “Saffron as a support has been fantastic - if somebody’s going out of their way to help you, you’ve got to try and make an effort.
There were times when I wasn’t making an effort but that was before I was getting any help, I didn’t know where to get the help. It sounds daft but I didn’t know how to approach my food, and now I do! And that’s because of the help I’ve had from my doctor, from Saffron and from Slimming World.
If you think we could help you to feel happier and healthier by making health or lifestyle changes, our health professionals are encouraging you to get in touch and sign up today!
