Can Do Testimonial August 2007

"Realizing I didn’t like how I felt (low energy, depressed); I was ready to make a change. I had tried various diets/regimens, but was unable to find a way of eating & living that created a sustainable healthy weight and a life style I enjoyed. After speaking with health educators, Cheryl Dornfeld & Sheila Tippie, I was inspired and intrigued by the comprehensive and positive nature of the Can Do program and its health educators.

At the initial sessions, Cheryl and Sheila provided a wealth of information plus they created an individualized eating and activity plan specifically tailored to me. Then with their knowledge, guidance & skillful encouragement, I gradually implemented the balanced plan. Within a short time, which Cheryl predicted, I was surprised to find I no longer had “cravings” and wasn’t hungry! I continue to be amazed at how good I feel, the increased energy I have, and how my palate has changed. I actually look forward to exercise!

This program not only provides me with sage assistance regarding my healthy weight loss, it also helps me cultivate a mindset that is powerful in creating the “full of vitality” life I desire. I’m a little more than three months into the program and am already within 2 pounds of my six-month goal weight (17 pounds lost so far)! I am now confident I will be able to continue and sustain my healthy weight loss. I highly recommend the Can Do program to anyone who is seeking and ready for this type of life style change. "  Ida Donley

“This program is easy to follow and simple to do. Great support from nurses/staff. In just a couple of weeks you will start feeling less tired and full of energy.”  Fairview employee

"My weight this morning 202.2 I have learned… I can have a house full of company for several days and not overeat. I don’t have to have cake to enjoy a birthday. I can enjoy a really good hamburger in a restaurant and not blow it" Julie

"I joined the "Can Do" program for a couple of reasons. I needed to get back on track after having gastric surgery and losing 90 pounds. I didn't want those pounds to come back on and also needed to lose 30 more. I really needed discipline and support. After the initial loss, I found it hard to keep motivated without a support system. Sheila and Cheryl are not only my support but also the ones who keep reminding me of what I have to do. They send me healthy suggestions, articles,and recipes and have found me helpful hints for people who have had gastric surgery. Can Do is a program that works.... but only if one works at it. And, FPA's Health Educators are the discipline that I need to help me work at it.... and keep me honest! " Mary B. McGraw

"Hi, my name is Shari. I'm 46 and the mother of 2 young kids. Like many, I haven't lost the "baby weight". We had a trauma in our family 3 years ago which caused me to not care about what I was eating or my appearance. However, my cholesterol was climbing and that caused me concern. In January, my cholesterol was 305. My doctor and I decided I should try Lipitor to lower it, and she continued to encourage me to lower it through my diet.

One day, I received a Fairview brochure in the mail introducing the Can Do program and thought I should try it. I met with Sheila, one of FPA’s health educators, twice. The first meeting was a small group setting and she asked each of us to start a food journal. We met again, one on one, to go over my food choices from the journal and strategize a plan for making my choices healthier. She instructed me on how many calories I should eat in a day to lose weight gradually and how to distribute each category evenly through the day to maintain energy levels. I was introduced to web sites that have been helpful, particularly one where I log my food journal and it translates it to calories and nutrients. I check in with the health educator through email every two weeks and she checks my food journal. Sometimes, knowing Sheila will see what I've eaten is enough to prevent me from eating it.

Through this, I've been able to see where my intake of cholesterol had been and modify that behavior. For me, Chocolate ice cream was the culprit. I haven't eliminated it from my diet, but look for healthier versions and eat it in small quantities less often. Sheila also taught about moderate exercise. I started walking my dog about a mile at first and have worked up to 5 miles/5 days per week. I also started some strength training with light dumbbells. I can tell I'm stronger and have more energy. In fact, I've gotten carried away with landscaping projects around my yard without getting sore muscles. My recent cholesterol check was 134 and I'm off Lipitor. I've been losing about 6 lbs per month for a current weight loss of 27 lbs. Sheila advised losing 18 lbs in 6 months, but I lost that in 3 months. My goal was 30 lbs in 6 months, but I should achieve it in less than 5. I haven't felt hungry or deprived. I'm not focusing on what I have to limit, but on how many fruits and vegetables I can include. This isn't a crazy diet where I have to eat what someone tells me to eat, or eliminate all carbohydrates, or skip foods I love. It's about finding my problem spots and modifying them. These are changes I can live with." Shari