New Blog Address!

We've moved current editions of Core Magazine and other great content to our new blog site at Orriant.com/success - come and see!

Also, don't forget to check us out on Facebook and Twitter.

We look forward to connecting with you!

Larry Ferguson with Ancestry.com

About 23 years ago, Larry Ferguson, spouse of an employee of Ancestry.com, suffered a severe back injury. Over the years, his back has improved little by little, but he was not able to stay as active as he would have liked. This resulted in steady weight gain and Larry was not sure how to get his health back. He reports that The Apple Program has been the spark that got him on track toward a healthier lifestyle.

Larry has since lowered his triglycerides and blood glucose, boosted his “good” cholesterol, and dropped a pant size over the past year. Ferguson also feels that one of his biggest successes is that he can now walk up to 2 miles at a time. After his back injury limited his ability to even walk a few feet, working his way up to 2 miles is a huge physical and emotional accomplishment.

Larry’s goals include eating five servings of fruits and vegetables each day, walking 1.5 miles three times a week, and lifting weights one to two times a week. He states that with constant encouragement from his Apple Health Coach he has had success in working hard at his goals. Mr. Ferguson also added, “My Health Coach is the key to keeping me going on this program. We talk monthly and set reachable goals that keep me working. Her positive attitude makes me want to try harder.”

When asked if he would have been successful in improving his health if his company had not offered the Apple Program, Larry responded, “No, I have tried other programs and I would hold strong for a while, but the spark would soon leave. With this program they have wonderful Health Coaches that are concerned with my health; I find myself more motivated to keep it up knowing I report to someone each month.”

Changing his habits has made Larry Ferguson’s life more enjoyable. He states, “Emotionally, I feel better and can see that the more active I am, the happier I am. I have a greater sense of accomplishment because I can do more.” Larry has plans to reach his goal weight of 200 pounds, reach a 36-inch waist and work his way up to walking 5 miles. He says, “I now think my long-term goals are actually reachable, not just wishful thinking. I know if I continue to follow the advice of my Apple Health Coach and keep trying to improve, I will eventually reach my long term goals. This will result in a longer and much happier life.”

Stephen Holm With Associated Retail Stores

Regular walking and making changes to his diet have helped Steve Holm with Associated Retail Stores improve his health across the board. Since January 2011, he has lost 64 pounds, lowered his blood pressure and improved his cholesterol enough that his doctor says he no longer needs cholesterol medication. The Apple Program has been a useful tool for Steve as he continues to maintain the healthy habits he has developed.

The first step for Steve was admitting to himself that he needed to make some changes. Once he accepted that, he was able to put together a plan with his Apple Health Coach. His Apple Health Coach gave him advice, recommendations, and also listened to him. Steve says, “More than anything, she listened to me complain about the pre-assessment, the goals, the weight that I need to reach, etc. After that, she helped me put together a plan to work on my health little by little until it became a daily habit. I will always be indebted to her for her listening skills.”

Steve’s plan included increasing his physical activity efforts by walking more. He purchased a pedometer and found that he walks approximately 5 miles with each 10,000 steps he takes. He has logged over 1 million steps since January 2011 and has walked over 530 miles.

Mr. Holm has had the goal of improving his health for over 5 years. He found that being accountable to himself and to his coach helped him achieve success. He added, “To be truly successful in a wellness program, I believe you need to hold yourself accountable for your actions and desired results. Working with and through my Apple Health Coach keeps me guided in the right direction with my eye on the prize. It’s like climbing Mt. Everest; it’s easy getting to the top, however, more people die coming down because they lack the necessary focus.”

This is the first time in Steve’s career that he has worked with a company that has offered a wellness program like The Apple Program. He says, “To me, it is a reflection of how we are treated as Team Members. Our company genuinely cares about me as an individual and my personal health. They want me to perform at my very best which includes all aspects of the social, economic, spiritual, and physical levels.”

With the health habits Steve has now developed, he has found he has increased energy and a new inner confidence. He states, “I have so much energy at times I can hardly contain myself. I feel like I have given myself back an additional 7-10 years of my life that, at my age, will come in handy.” Holm finally feels that he has his health back.

For others looking to reach health-related goals, Steve counsels, “You need to find a program that you can sustain in your day to day operation of life. You need to choose a program that you can work into your daily routine without having to sacrifice a great amount of time. I have chosen to walk simply because it is the most sustained weight loss exercise. Everyone has time in their busy life to walk at least 10,000 steps. Once you have reached that goal, the sky is the limit.”