Troy Worthen with Wheeler Cat

Troy Worthen, with Wheeler Cat, has made great strides working with The Apple Program^®. In addition to losing over 10 pounds, Troy completed his first triathlon – “The Ice-Breaker Triathlon.”

Troy feels that most of his success is attributed to The Apple Program. He really enjoys working with his personal Apple Health Coach^®. “Having a coach and having accountability motivates me to do well. I don’t want to call and say that I haven’t produced.”

Troy admits that turning 40 was also great motivation to take control of his health. As part of that, he set a goal to complete a triathlon. His coach assisted him in his preparation and training. “I finished and didn’t break any records, but I finished alright. I enjoyed the whole event as it was motivating to see so many fit people. It motivated me to be more fit ‘when I grow up'.”

Troy took his training very seriously and focused on consistency. He said that on Mondays he would bike for an hour, at a spin class depending on the weather. On Tuesdays he would swim for about 45 minutes. Wednesdays he ran about 40 minutes. He swam again on Thursdays for about 45 minutes and on Fridays he would do a brick, which is a 30 minute combination of running and biking. Troy said that he set Saturdays as the day he would do his own mini-triathlon to prepare himself for the real deal. The training and hard work paid off as Troy finished his first triathlon in under two hours. Troy and his wife are now training for the Salt Lake 26 Mile Bike Tour.

With all the swimming, biking, and running, Troy admits that he is eating more than he used to. Because of this, he is more conscientious about what he puts in his body. His new thought process is that food is equal to time spent in the gym so he is more careful with his choices.

“The Apple Program and having a coach has been great for me as it has given me the motivation and knowledge that I need to succeed.”

Rick and Stacy Blackburn with Washington County

Rick and Stacy Blackburn with Washington County have an inspiring story of success as they have worked hard together with the support of their Apple Health Coach^® and The Apple Program^®.

After joining The Apple Program, Rick and Stacy decided to work as a team in order to accomplish their health goals. Although each of them knew they wanted to get healthier and make changes for themselves, there was something even more inspiring that compelled them to take action. Stacy’s sister needed a kidney transplant and Stacy wanted to be the donor. Due to her body mass index and cigarette usage, she wasn’t eligible to be the donor until she lost weight and quit smoking. The Blackburn’s decided that it was time for change.

Rick knew it would be difficult for Stacy to quit using tobacco on her own while he continued so he decided to quit with her. Rick is now tobacco (chew) free and Stacy went from a pack a day to now being cigarette free.

Additionally Rick and Stacy have been working on their nutrition habits. They reminded each other not to snack, especially late at night, and plan their meals together based on healthy eating options. They have been eating a lot of fruits and vegetables and they prepare healthy dishes that focus on lean protein like chicken and fish. Stacy admits that it took a while to convince her husband that he could live without meat and potatoes diet but she can proudly say that they are doing it now. She’s converted him to salad with chicken and a number of additional colored vegetables.

Stacy’s determination to lose weight so that she could donate her kidney to her sister motivated her to work out on her treadmill. Stacy would exercise four to five days per week to push herself. As a result of her efforts Stacy has lost over 50 pounds in less than a year and a half! This in turn has brought down her BMI and her sister’s doctor has now approved her as the kidney donor for her sister. The operation went great and her sister’s body took the kidney and is doing well. Stacy is doing even better.

According to Stacy, “The Apple Program played a huge role in our success – the morale support, the recipes, and being directed in the right areas was so helpful. I don’t think that we could have done it without our coach and the program in general.”

Rick said that “Having constant reminders from my coach helped me remember to stay on track. Our coach gave us the support that we needed to put us in the right direction to reach our goals.”

Sherrie and Kelly Roseman with Utah County

Sherrie and Kelly Roseman with Utah County have had great success working together with The Apple Program®. In the last three months, the couple has lost a combined total of 60 pounds!

Kelly feels that he has always been an active person. He has run marathons and half marathons all the way from Tucson to Tokyo. Although both he and his wife, Sherrie, walked the Tucson half marathon they knew that they were heavier than they wanted to be. He recalls later picking up a 25 pound bag of sugar or flour to see how heavy it felt and to use this as a motivational tool to remind him that he didn’t want to go running and carrying all of that extra weight with him. His wife felt the same way so together they decided that making changes as a family was the best way to achieve their goals.

Kelly says that the accountability of The Apple Program^® assists him in reaching his goals because he knows that he needs to report to somebody. It has also been a great benefit that the program is integrated into his work at the Utah County Sheriff’s department. In the past eight years of working with the sheriff’s department Kelly has always hated the stigma of eating donuts and sitting behind the counter drinking coffee. He said that it was his goal to break the stereotype.

On January 4th Kelly was 215 pounds. He is pleased to report that he now weighs 188 pounds. Kelly ran his first marathon in 1995, coincidentally the year of his first heart attack. Despite his earlier activity, he had allowed himself to fall into a much more sedentary routine.

Kelly and Sherrie agree that the greatest help has been doing this program together. Eating the same foods and exercising together is helpful. Nutrition has changed dramatically for the couple. They have cut out high calorie foods and desserts which has made a tremendous difference.

Kelly’s running times and distances have both improved. He averages about 25 miles per week running, completing his long runs on Saturday which are usually 10-15 miles. Additionally the couple has lost a great deal of weight. Kelly has lost 27 pounds while Sherrie has lost 33 pounds.

The couple agrees that The Apple Program is what provided them the incentive and motivation to address their health issues. The health assessment opened their eyes and having an Apple Health Coach^® to report to kept them focused on attaining their goals. It was also helpful for the couple to received different suggestions and tips from their Coach. The support from their Coach combined with the partnership they have in doing this program together has created great success in addressing their health risks and living healthier happier lives.

“It would have been much more difficult to do this program separately, but we have been much more successful doing it together.”

Matt Caldwell with Tooele County

Matt Caldwell, with Tooele County, has had great success working with The Apple Program^® and his Apple Health Coach^®. Through good nutrition and exercise, Matt was able to lose over 30 pounds!

In addition to the physical changes of weight loss and body fat loss, Matt’s overall cholesterol dropped by 80 points. Matt believes one of the main contributors to his biometric changes is his healthy exercise habit. On average, Matt exercises five to six times per week, but he focuses on quality not quantity. Matt said, “I pushed myself and really made the workout count.” When Matt started the program his cardio goal was to work out four to five times per week for at least 30 minutes. Gradually, he worked himself up to five to six times per week for at least an hour.

In addition to exercise, nutrition played a huge role in Matt’s success. He said that he started eating more produce and less red meat and not as much white processed flour. He said that when he works ten hours per day it helps him to bring healthy pre-prepared snacks. When other unhealthy foods were available they became less of a temptation because he had food on hand. Matt was also able to lower his cholesterol so much because he increased the salmon and almonds he eats. Matt likes his exercise and nutrition plan and he said that he will keep doing what he is doing.

“The Apple Program played a really big role in my success, because the assessment helped me know where I was at. Before coming to the assessment I didn’t really know where I stood with my biometrics. Now that I know, I do better. Ignorance is not bliss: Know your cholesterol and blood pressure. For questions and advice the coach was helpful.”

Alex Darger with Taylor Electric

Alex Darger, with Taylor Electric, has made small changes that have produced noticeable results while working with The Apple Program^®. Since joining the program, Alex has lost 10 pounds, has noticed a difference in his energy level, and has made great strides with his nutrition.

Alex was motivated to make changes in his health when he experienced four people in his life being diagnosed with Type II Diabetes. He decided that he was going to lose weight and get in better shape to avoid this lifestyle related disease. Alex started in June on his own and lost 20 pounds before he started the program. He has lost 10 more pounds since working with The Apple Program. Alex attributes his additional success to the health advice he receives from his Apple Health Coach^®. He says his coach is a motivator and cheerleader for him.

A large part of Alex’s success has been due to his increased attention to nutrition. Exercise has been an integrated part of his life as he keeps himself physically active at work and around the neighborhood. Where Alex wanted to focus his efforts and the support he received from his Apple Health Coach was on his diet. Through the education he received and plan he implemented with his coach he has found that simple substitutions in his diet are creating great results. He is now eating whole grains instead of refined white flour, grapes instead of potato chips and blueberries instead of crackers. His coach assisted him with nutritional recommendations to lower his cholesterol such as eating flax, avocado, and nuts. The greatest nutritional feat for Alex was almost completely cutting soda out of his diet. Where he used to drink about 44 ounces a day he now only drinks a soda about once a month.

“I saw myself 20 years down the road and decided to take the healthy path so that I can be living and enjoying my life.”

Kevin Thacker with Sandy City

Kevin Thacker, with Sandy City, is excited about the great value and success he is experiencing through The Apple Program^®. He admits that when the city first introduced the program he wasn’t too enthused about it. He remarked, “I was going to the gym on my own and I didn’t see where talking to somebody once a month on the phone would help. The reason I did it was to save money on my health insurance through the city.” After working with an Apple Health Coach^® for four months, Kevin said that the program has turned out to be a great thing. In addition to enjoying his coach and the program, Kevin has successfully lost 10 pounds since he started the program!

Kevin attributes his success to the small changes he has made with both his exercise and nutrition as suggested by his coach. He was accustomed to regular cardio workouts. Kevin’s coach explained how he could create more value in his workouts by adding resistance training. His coach also emphasized the importance of eating right in addition to exercise to successfully lose weight. “I was doing some of that, but when you are not combining the eating habits with the exercise you don’t get the results you want. I want to understand why I am doing what I am doing. My coach has given me the resources so that I do understand.”

Kevin’s coach encouraged him to start small with nutritional changes. “My coach set me up on a program where I eat two to three extra small snacks a day and I find that I eat better because I don’t eat as much during a sitting. I get full faster and I don’t get the ‘stuffed feeling’. It is best if I can incorporate fruits and vegetables into those small snacks. I was maybe eating one serving of fruits and vegetables each day before starting the program and now I am eating four a day. I also don’t eat as many sweets as I used to. My coach has really taught me how to eat right.”

In addition to coaching Kevin on his exercise and nutrition, his coach has helped him customize his goals to fit his current circumstances and situations. “My coach set new goals for me while I was recovering from shoulder surgery. She actually called me a few days before to wish me luck and change the goals for me. Since my surgery, we have set new goals that challenge me to eat better. I want to improve myself and my coach has assisted me by keeping up with my progress as I am rehabilitating.”

“The biggest concern I had before joining the program was that I would be just a number; I was pleasantly surprised that I am someone my coach actually knows and wants to help succeed.”

Gene Kramer with Rhodes Bake-N-Serve

Gene Kramer with Rhodes Bake-N-Serve is committed to his health and has successfully won many different competitions through The Apple Program^®.

This last holiday season, Gene was the winner of the “Maintain no Gain” holiday weight loss and maintenance challenge. Gene attributes much of his success to his 4:30am workouts. “I ran up until I was 67 years old and then I started walking. For one whole year I never missed a day. I usually walk about seven miles per day on the treadmill in the mornings. They put a picture up of me at the health club I workout at because I walk so much. One day last year I walked 23 miles.” Gene says that when the weather is nice he will often go for a two mile walk at lunch time as well. He likes the nine mile days. Gene also enjoys going hiking and four-wheeling with his family and friends.

Gene worked with an Apple Health Coach^® last year and says it played a big role in his success. Although he never used to eat breakfast he regularly eats oats every morning and eats at least three servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Gene is proud to say that even though he doesn’t work with a coach this year, he is continuing to work on and achieve his goals by doing what he knows he needs to.

“Everyone needs to have a reason to get up in the morning. Getting up to exercise at 4:30AM is amazing and it keeps me young at heart.”

Deb Arnold with Millard County

Deb Arnold, with Millard County, is successfully continuing to work on her health so that she can continue to meet The Apple Program^® health standard and feel her best. As a result, Deb is spreading her passion for health and wellness with her colleagues and entire family!

“The Apple Program keeps me where I have to be challenged and held accountable. I know that I have to be committed to my health for insurance purposes. Although I am not currently working with a Coach, I feel this is a great opportunity and a no-brainer program. My husband and I are very excited about the program. Why wouldn’t we do it? It saves money for everyone involved.”

Deb has started a swimming group with her daughter, daughters-in-law, and some of her colleagues at work. She said that they drive quite a few miles - rain or snow - at least four times per week so that they can swim. “We go even if we have head colds. The guys stay home and watch the kids and we go out for a fun, healthy, girl’s night. I guess you could say we are die-hards. Once each of us have achieved our health goals we will treat ourselves not with shopping or food but with a country concert in Wendover.”

Deb said that the group is hard to miss in their yellow bathing caps and goggles. They have lots of fun talking while they use their kickboards and flippers. Deb is a great example of making exercise fun, social, and productive. Keep up the great work ladies!

“You are the only one who can change your health. Jump on the band wagon and do it and get everyone else around you to join in!”

Joel Fitzgerald with Ken Garff

Joel Fitzgerald, with Ken Garff, attributes his great success to working with both his Apple Health Coach^® and his physician. Through developing healthy habits, Joel has lost over 60 pounds and his other biometrics have improved significantly!

Joel has made small changes in both his exercise and nutrition to produce big results. Joel set an initial goal to exercise 30 minutes each day. He has now improved to a point that he is working out for an hour every day.

Joel had developed the habit of drinking two to three sodas per day. Working with his coach he set a goal to limit himself to one soda per week which is has not only achieved but now rarely ever drinks soda at all. Additionally Joel only eats whole fruit, has increased his intake of whole grains and nuts and is drinking 80 ounces of water per day. Don’t be surprised to find Joel’s plate half full of vegetables at meal time!

The importance of addressing his health risks was particularly important to Joel who has been dealing with diabetes. Joel recalls that at one point he got really sick and his A1Cs were very high. With the assistance of The Apple Program and his coach, Joel has built a health plan and established goals that have resulted in a 60 pound weight loss! But more importantly that has enabled him to successfully manage his Diabetes. Since the health assessment Joel has dropped his blood sugar by over 100 points and has greatly improved his A1Cs.

“When you are faced with something like that you have to do something. It’s important to keep a healthy lifestyle through diet and exercise and you can see how things can go awry if you don’t.”

Charlie Knudsen with Inthinc

Charlie Knudsen with Inthinc has had great health success while working with The Apple Program^®. So far he has lost 30 pounds, lowered his body fat percentage by 8% and, most importantly, he feels great in his body!

Charlie’s wake-up call to be healthy came when he had his health assessment. Initially, he felt that the program would be silly, but after his assessment and talking to his Apple Health Coach^® he realized the possibilities that it held. “My coach gave me tips of things to do that would help me lower my cholesterol. The monthly encouragement through either phone or email really helps me to stay focused on my goals and reminds me to track my progress. I am back in charge of my health.”

After joining The Apple Program, Charlie started exercising a lot more. He said he had never really liked running, but he decided to sign up for a half marathon. At first he could not run a mile but with hard work and dedication Charlie successfully completed his first half marathon in San Antonio last November with a time of approximately two hours. Charlie is currently training for the Ogden Marathon this coming May. On his long runs he completes about 15 miles and is looking forward to hitting the pavement even harder as he gets closer to the event.
In addition to exercise, Charlie decided to make proactive changes in his nutritional habits. Having high cholesterol, his coach recommended that he eat more whole grains and raw vegetables. Additionally, he had never been a breakfast eater and would skip meals. With the help of his Coach he started regulating his meal schedule and portion sizes. He now eats breakfast and tries to eat small portions every three to four hours.

“The Apple program was a wake-up call for me. It helped me realize that I needed to make some lifestyle changes. I now enjoy a healthier life.”

UPDATE:

On May 16th Charlie Knudsen completed the Ogden Marathon. As he says, "It was a great experience, a year ago I didn't think I could or would ever run a marathon." Congratulations Charlie on pushing yourself to reach your goals and continue the great work!

Diane and Doug Endorf with Intermountain Wood

Diane and Doug Endorf, with Intermountain Wood, have been making healthy changes in their lifestyles since they joined The Apple Program^®. They admit that after their physical health assessments they both became aware of the importance and need to make changes in their lifestyles. “We want to see our kids when we are older.”

Although Diane and Doug are working on improving different biometrics, they find it is helpful to have accountability to their Apple Health Coach^® and to each other to accomplish their individual health goals. They both appreciate the creative ideas their coach offers to help them make lifestyle changes that are simple but effective.

Diane and Doug set a goal to make a new healthy, low calorie, low cholesterol recipe each week together. Since they started the program they have tried about 15 new recipes. Not only are they working on their health as a couple, but their healthy recipes are affecting their entire family. The healthy meat dishes are a particular hit with the kids and they feel it is more of a success when their kids like the recipes too! In addition to healthy family dinners they’ve been preparing lunches to take to work to avoid the temptation to grab something unhealthy.

The Endorf’s have also started a weekly exercise routine. They each take time to walk on their treadmill multiple times during the week which is easy to maintain during the cold winter months. In addition to walking Doug coaches basketball and says that helps give him an extra push. Diane says she’s starting to lose weight and is excited that some of her clothes are loose.
After 20 years of marriage you share all the good and the bad and the Endorf’s are finding strength in their partnership to improve their health so they can continue to enjoy their life together with their kids.

“Knowing that we have a plan and have a coach check-in helps us get healthier. Doing this program together has been helpful too.”

Roger Marshall with IC Group

Roger Marshall with IC Group has had tremendous success in the short time that he has participated in The Apple Program^®. In only five weeks, Roger lost 27 pounds!

Roger admits that he knew he was going to have to work on his weight when he went to the assessment, although the driving force to participate was the money he got back for joining the program. He said that he was curious about his cholesterol and knew the health assessment would provide him insight into his potential health risks.

As he suspected the assessment was quite an awakening and it called him to immediate action. Before he even started talking to his coach, Roger tried to change his dietary habits. He said that he looked at what he was eating and how much he was eating. He said that he figured his portions were maybe too large. He focused on awareness without calorie counting. Roger feels that another huge contributor to his success was cutting back his soda intake. Roger went from about 60 ounces of soda a day, which equals approximately 800 calories, to drinking 12-20 ounces of soda per day.

In addition to the nutritional changes, Roger said that once he talked to his Apple Health Coach^® he knew he needed to start exercising more. After talking with his coach, he was inspired to get his health rider out of the basement. He started by using it three times per week for 30 minutes. Roger said that it helps to do it in front of his television or while listening to music.
“The Apple Program has been a really big help in achieving my goals. Talking to my coach gave me new ideas, one of which was to eat healthy snacks in between meals. The tips and information from my coach were all helpful. The incentive on the insurance gave me the go-to attitude to get motivated and just do it.”

UPDATE: As of week six of his personal wellness journey, Roger has successfully lost 34 pounds! He said that he has much more stamina when he exercises and that he has tons of energy in the mornings when he gets to be Mr. Mom.

Alberto Flores with Hogan Construction

Alberto Flores, with Hogan Construction, has made small changes that have produced big results since joining The Apple Program^®. In the last three months, Alberto has lost over 20 pounds!

Alberto feels that his culture has affected so much of how he eats and with the help of The Apple Program he is learning to be more aware of what he eats in drinks. Where he used to eat about 12 tortillas per day now he only eats about two to three. Alberto also used to drink four to five cans of Pepsi each day and now it is rare to find him even drinking one per week. Instead of soda, Alberto focuses on drinking juice and water. He said it was hard to quit because he was so used to it, but the new benefits far outweigh the old habit.

In addition to the nutrition changes, exercise has played a huge role in Alberto’s great success. Before starting The Apple Program, Alberto used to play soccer, but not very consistently. After his assessment, he decided to go all out and buy a gym for his basement. Now he exercises at least two times per week. He really enjoys using his treadmill and doing resistance training, where he focuses on his legs and abdominal region because he feels these are the most important areas for him.

Alberto believes the program is very healthy for all people to help them establish and reach their goals. For him it was to lose weight. He understands now how important it is for people to improve their nutrition and activity levels. Although Alberto has lost over 20 pounds so far, he is working towards his overall weight loss goal to lose ten more pounds. He intends to do this by increasing his exercise to at least three times per week.

“It is a good idea to have a coach. There are so many people that have health risks and continue doing the same thing. A coach is great for helping break old habits and for promoting awareness. With my own motivation and the help of my coach, I am seeing great results!”

Rick Bass with Equitable

Rick Bass with Equitable appreciates the support he receives from his company to get healthier through The Apple Program^®. Rick says, “Having this program shows that the company really cares.” Rick’s favorite part of the program was the initial physical health assessment that gave him the awareness that he needed to make healthy lifestyle changes. Rick now exercises four times per week, eats breakfast daily, and is candy and pop free.

At the health assessment Rick realized that his health was catching up with him. He said that “The Apple Program is good as it helps you get checked out. It helps people catch things early. For me, you don’t realize all the stuff that is going on with you. My cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and blood pressure scared me a little bit. You look at the results and go wow! Hello! What the heck are you doing? I used to run a lot in high school and be very physically active, but then I got busy with work and my growing family and I forgot to do the things I needed to do with my health. The awareness gave me the eye opening to make changes. If the program wasn’t here, I would not have made any changes because I would not have realized that there were changes that needed to be made!”

After the awakening experience, Rick took proactive steps in working with his Apple Health Coach^® to improve his health through nutrition and exercise. His coach pointed him in the right direction by educating Rick on foods that would help improve his cholesterol. Rick said that for 25 years he never ate breakfast. He now eats breakfast everyday and especially focuses on oatmeal to help with his cholesterol levels. Rick also admits that before starting the program he hardly drank anything throughout the day, with the exception of soda. Now Rick drinks large amounts of water and has completely removed soda pop from his diet. Additionally he has increased his fruit intake and decreased the amount of candy he eats to where he usually doesn’t even touch it anymore.

Rick can also be found at the gym three to four times per week working really hard. “I sweat enough for everybody in the gym,” Rick says. He enjoys the random hill settings on the recumbent bike and maintains a heart rate of 140 for 30 minutes. After his cardio workout, he hits the circuit weights for 25 to 30 minutes.

Rick’s enthusiasm and dedication to improving his health has influenced his family too. Rick’s wife now loves going to the gym so much that she goes twice per week. For her second workout, she and Rick usually go together.

“The bottom line is that I choose to be healthy so that I can have a higher quality of life.”

Meghan Bair with Cache County

Meghan Bair with Cache County has had great success in the Apple Program^® despite her time constraints as a single mother. Meghan has successfully adopted lifestyle changes that have affected not only herself but her children as well.

In addition to being a single mother, Meghan has special considerations on her time caring for one of her children with disabilities. Meghan’s Apple Health Coach^® worked with her to set goals attainable goals that challenged her but fit into the schedule that she juggles. She appreciated the lengths her coach went to in supporting her. Meghan started by setting a goal to walk a mile every day and now she is walking three to four miles per day. She wears a pedometer everyday and she walks at least 18,000 steps. She set a goal to decrease her pop intake from 32 ounces per day to one or two sodas per week. As a result Meghan is feeling better physically and mentally.

Meghan’s new healthy lifestyle changes are affecting her whole family. Before starting the program, Meghan never used to eat breakfast and now she eats breakfast at least five times per week. As a result her entire family is eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner now. She is also cooking meals at home instead of taking everyone out to eat.

She said that it is not always easy to be consistent with her goals as a single mom who works full time, but she knows that it is worth it. She said that it helps to have a health coach that keeps her accountable. “Accountability is a huge part to me. I don’t want to report that I did nothing. I like to go above and beyond what I am supposed to do. That drive to report to somebody makes me more apt to do it.” Meghan admits that she probably wouldn’t have made these changes without her coach or the financial incentive to do the program.

“The little changes even with extreme time constraints are possible and do make a difference.”

Brent Moor with Brent Brown

Brent Moore with Brent Brown attributes much of his health success to the accountability he receives through working with The Apple Program,^®. “Accountability for goals and for your health is achieved by having someone else there by your side motivating you. This is what The Apple Program offers me.”

In the last four months Brent said that he has been feeling great from exercising. He appreciates the energy boost and the 17 pounds he has lost so far! Brent has been working hard with the support of his son and his Apple Health Coach^® to reach his goals. Brent and his son get up at 5:00am to work-out four times per week. They have a routine where they alternate between swimming and resistance training. Brent admits that he had been working on his health goals for a while but was only doing the bare minimum. Brent believes much of his success is attributed to the frequency and velocity of what he and his son have been doing together. Brent is also training for his first 5K. In addition to his exercise routine, Brent has had great nutritional success by quitting soda completely. Again, he and his son worked on this together. They established a bet between the two of them that motivated them to keep clear of soda. Both he and his son have been soda free for over four months.

The original reason Brent joined the program was because it intrigued him that he was being offered this opportunity as a benefit from his employer. He thought it would be a great resource for stress management and a place to get free health information.

“Being a part of this program, exercising, tracking goals, and talking to my coach helped me relieve stress and prevent weight gain. My Coach is always excited when I have good news about my progress and she has always been really encouraging.”

Josh Rees with Associated Retail Stores

Josh Rees, with ARS, has made great strides with his health since he joined The Apple Program^®. He admits that the financial incentive was the reason he started the program but once he got involved it wasn’t about the money anymore.

Josh attributes much of his success to the support he received from his Apple Health Coach^®. “I realized that if she cares this much about me, then I should care this much about me. Because she wants success for me, I want success for myself.” His coach would follow up with personalized emails in regards to what they talked about over the phone. Josh says that it was a feel- good situation and having someone there to motivate and encourage him was helpful.
Within four short months of beginning the program, Josh chose to become tobacco free. Josh hated telling his coach that he chewed and was motivated along with the caring support of his coach to let go of the habit and quit cold turkey. His coach gave him helpful ideas such as chewing gum and putting it in his lip like he used to do with the tobacco. With this tip eventually he weaned himself off of tobacco and the desire to chew it became non-existent. It wasn’t an easy process, as Josh shares, “It didn’t happen overnight, and it was really hard.” But being able to tell his coach he was tobacco free was extremely liberating. Without the presence of tobacco not only is Josh experiencing better health overall but his dentist agrees that the health of his mouth has greatly improved. And as you can tell, Josh is no longer afraid to show off his wonderful smile.

“There have been so many benefits from quitting. I used to get acid reflux and don’t anymore. I don’t have to worry about smiling and having stuff in my teeth or smelling like chew. Everything tastes better too!”

Josh’s blood pressure has improved since he quit tobacco and says that he doesn’t worry about getting cancer now.

“Don’t sabotage yourself for falling short. Just because you messed up keep working at it. If you have the determination and desire to change your health you can make it happen. It doesn’t happen overnight and it is hard, but it is worth it!”

Jeanine Stickney with Associated Foods

Jeanine Stickney, with AFS, has had great success since working with The Apple Program^®. Within the course of one year, Jeanine has dropped her cholesterol by over 70 points! She attributes her success to the support she received from her Apple Health Coach^® and to changing her health behaviors.

Jeanine really likes the coaching and the fact that she can call and speak with her coach whenever she has a question. “I like the accountability and that someone cares about my health. My coach is always honest with me and tells it to me straight.” Knowing that her coach would ask her if she exercised or drank her water made her try harder. She also feels that the online goal tracker is a great tool that has been easy to use and is another form of motivation to continue moving forward and making progress.

Jeanine made simple changes that produced big results. In her nutrition, Jeanine started drinking more water and eating more salads. She brought fruit to snack on during the day so she wouldn’t be tempted by unhealthy snacks. At home Jeanine pulled out her Nordic Track and set it up in front of her computer. “Now, for every minute I spend on the Nordic track, I allow myself a minute to be on the computer, whether it's checking e-mail, e-bay, or Facebook.” Building up her walking habit she now spends a lot of time walking with her daughter and her grandbaby.

“The reason I like The Apple Program is because it helped me be accountable to myself through tracking my goals on the website and having an Apple Health Coach, who actually cared about my personal health.”