Kay Kashanipour with Harmons

Reaching her weight loss goal is something Kay Kashanipour of Harmon’s has wanted to do for some time. After many battles with her weight, she is pleased to report that she is now well on her way to achieving her weight loss goal and has subsequently lowered her blood pressure. Kay says that the Apple Program® has been a big motivator in supporting her weight loss goals.

The program’s personalized wellness portal and one-on-one coaching have all been incredibly helpful and motivating for Kay. Her Apple Health Coach® has been a very positive influence for her in helping Kay improve her diet and design an exercise program. “She knows her stuff and gives me the support I need,” reports Kay. “Her suggestions for post workout meals have been great!”

Her coach has helped her set up short term goals in order for her to reach her long term weight loss goal by incorporating physical activity, whether using her WII Fit, treadmill, or stationary bike. She has also been adding strength training in her workouts by using resistance bands and other things. In addition to increasing her physical activity with cardo and strength-training, Kay has also focused on improving her diet by implementing ideal amounts of water and limiting late night snacking. She has found that filling her time in the evenings with reading and other activities keeps her from unnecessary eating.

“Getting to my ideal weight and staying there is something I’ve wanted to do all my life, says Kay. “I’ve lost weight in the past but have never been able to lose it and keep it off. This time, however, I feel like I have the support and education I need to keep it off. People I talk to are astounded that we have the opportunity to engage in a program like this at work. It really is great!”

Kay’s future goals include continuing in lowering her BMI and blood pressure as she continues in the Apple Program. She has a new grandbaby and would like to be able to be an active part of her life and to play with for years and years to come. Her advice to others is to delve right in to the Apple Program. “You can’t beat this program. Our company pays us to get healthier! You can’t beat that either. If I can do this, you can too!”

Jennifer Pretorius with Harbor Medical

Harbor Medical’s Jennifer Pretorius has taken the path to get her health scores to optimum levels. She’s done so by working towards her weight loss goals and incorporating day-to-day changes like increasing her exercise and watching her portions.

Losing weight is something Jennifer’s wanted to do for a long time, but now, with the help of the Apple Program®, her goals have become reality. One key factor in her weight loss was changing the way she ate. Jennifer began lowering her portion sizes and limiting sweets. She says that she also enjoys preparing “anything with chicken.”

Walking on a regular basis has been another key factor in Jennifer’s success with her weight loss goals. She even enjoys participating in Martial Arts when she has a few extra minutes.

Jennifer reports that, “Having an Apple Health Coach® helps keep me on track. She’s referred me to great articles on various health issues that have been beneficial for me.” She says that her Apple Health Coach is her favorite thing about participating in the Apple Program.

Since making these changes she’s noticed that she’s not only lost weight but also improved her energy levels. Even people around her have noticed her increased energy, which makes Jennifer feel great!

Her future health goals include continuing to lose weight and lower her cholesterol. She is optimistic that the wellness program will continue to play a role in her success by keeping her up-to-date with health issues and suggestions.

Jennifer is grateful for the changes she has made with her health. Her advice to others is to, “Keep trying! If at first you don’t succeed, try again!”

Teri Brown with Equitable Life & Casualty

Teri Brown of Equitable Life & Casualty has learned tremendous tools since joining the Apple Program® that have helped her improve her health and well-being. The fitness tips and nutrition ideas her Apple Health Coach® has educated her with have given her the skills she needs to manage her diabetes. Since incorporating her new lifestyle, Teri has not only lost weight, she’s also controlling her diabetes and has noticed a great increase in her overall energy level.

“The things that have been most helpful since joining the program are the tips my coach has given me to help me fit diet and exercise into my busy schedule,” says Teri. “I have a Total Gym I use on nights that I don’t have school. When I have 15 minutes to spare in the evenings, I’ll do the Bender Ball workout. My coach also suggested exercise videos, which I bought and have helped mix up my routine, as they incorporate strength training and cardio. Aside from the exercise, I’m also focusing on improving my diet by eating more salads and protein, refraining from high end carbs like breads, and eating more fresh vegetables (not as much fruit because it tends to raise my blood sugar). Doing all these things have helped change my life.”

“I feel like I wouldn’t have made these achievements in my health without the Apple Program and especially my Apple Health Coach. She gives me a lot of encouragement. Checking in on my progress regularly helps a lot. The goals I’m working toward have been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, but it’s finally starting to happen!”

The improvements Teri has made with her health have been apparent in fulfilling even small, day-to-day tasks. The area where she lives, for example, requires her to park a small distance from her home and now she appreciates the exercise she is getting walking to and from her car. She’s even taking the stairs more often at her workplace.

Her future goals are to get to her ideal weight and continue to live a healthier and happier lifestyle. Her advice to others is to, “Live day to day. If you look too far into the future it’s easy to get discouraged. It’s best to focus on what you can do that day to improve your lifestyle.”

Jeri Wayman of Taylor Electric

Jeri Wayman of Taylor Electric has, as she refers to it, “given away” 90 pounds this past year while on the Apple Program®. By taking hold of the things that are important to her, Jeri has made the changes with her health that she’s wanted to for a long time in order to be around for her children and grandchildren. Her motivation and determination to stick with her dietary and exercise routines have enabled her to not only shed weight, but also to improve her diabetic state to the point where she no longer has to take insulin.

Jeri decided to make changes in her life when her brother began losing weight. Her motivation has led her to sticking to her dietary goals 100%. She hasn’t cheated on her diet once this past year, even while on a cruise! She’s been following a program called Advanced Weight Loss® which involves the consumption of two protein bars, two protein drinks, and a soup on a daily basis. To ensure she’s nutritiously balanced, she also takes a multivitamin and omega 3 fish pill daily.

In addition to her new dietary habits, Jeri engages in physical activity by attending Curves Gym four times a week where she does all-over strength training. She also goes on walks three times a week and has recently begun incorporating the use of an at-home stationary bike. Jeri says that the exercise she gets is great for her brain!

Not long ago Jeri went in to see her diabetic doctor who was shocked by her new appearance. He complimented her changes and new lifestyle habits and reminded her that the older we get, the more exercise we need.

Jeri says that the changes she has made have not only come because of her motivation to change, but also from the influence of the Apple Program and her Apple Health Coach®. “My coach helps me overcome any negative thoughts. She also helps me look at things from a clear perspective. Having to check in with her on a regular helps me stay focused,” Jeri said. “The Apple Program has been a big stepping stone in the direction I’m headed.” She is grateful that her company has offered this program to her and her coworkers.

The changes Jeri’s made have made all the difference in her life. “I’m a better person, I’m stronger, and I enjoy doing things more. Life is fun!” Jeri’s goals from here are to maintain the success she’s had by adding even more exercise. She wants to get to her ideal weight and stay there. “I want to feel good all the time,” states Jeri, “life’s too precious and too short not to feel good.”

Her advice to others is to, “Be dedicated with the decision you make. Let others around you inspire you, but remember no one can change for you.”

Pam Bair with Utah County

Pam Bair of Utah County has significantly improved her health and well-being with the assistance of the Apple Program®. She began making changes in her lifestyle by building upon the healthy habits she already enjoyed in her life.

Pam is an avid gardener who has harvested the benefits of it, as apparent in her new dietary lifestyle. Gardening has also allowed her to reap many health benefits because of the physical exertion needed to keep a thriving garden. By increasing her efforts in gardening, Pam has not only lost weight but has also greatly improved other aspects of her health profile; like lowering her blood pressure, for example.

Much of Pam’s success is due to her new mentality toward her eating habits. She refrains from stating that she’s on a diet to prevent her from experiencing feelings of deprivation; instead she sees it as a new and improved way of life. She makes sure to incorporate plenty of in-season produce like pomegranates, apples, oranges, watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes, carrot sticks, or cucumbers; anything fresh that she can add to her lunch.

Her new approach to eating has left her feeling more satisfied after meals and she no longer has sugar cravings. Aside from focusing on a balanced diet, Pam makes sure to get in some form of exercise- whether it’s playing racquetball with her daughter, doing a yoga video at home, or simply gardening. These activities help keep her relaxed and she experiences less joint and muscle pain. She also states that the changes she has made with her diet and exercise routines have given her more energy to deal with the stresses of life.

Pam says she’s been able to stay focused and determined with her goals due to the accountability features of the Apple Program. “Tracking my goals and talking with my coach regularly helps me stay focused. If ever I start to wander from my goals, my coach gives me the advice I need to get back on track.”

Pam’s changes have helped her get a grasp on events that have transpired in her life. “It’s the first time in a long time that I feel like I have the energy to cope with life’s stressors. I also feel like I have more balance in my life since making these changes with my health.”

Pam’s future goals include losing 25 more pounds so she will continue to have the energy and strength she needs to deal with life. She plans to lose the weight by continuing on with the things she’s been incorporating in her diet and exercise regimens.

Her advice to others is “Bloom where you are planted.” Pam reminds others that by sticking to the things you know are right for you, you too can have success with your goals.