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Annette Negron
Findlay, OH

I went from tired, sick and smoking to happy, healthier and more energetic.

Normal for me was working, going home and pigging out, then passing out on the couch.  I wasn’t doing any crafts or things I previously  enjoyed; just laying around and smoking a pack of cigs a day.

I quit smoking and figured, “I am healthy now.”  But one morning at work I started having chest pains. I thought it was a heart attack so I went to the health center.  To make a long story short, it was not a heart attack but I was at risk. I found out I had high blood pressure and diabetes on top of everything else. I thought something has to change but where to start?

I began by making an appointment with a dietician at Whirlpool. I figured she would give me a list of things to avoid eating and life would go on as usual. I also started the process of daily medications for all my ailments.

The dietician, Leanne, was nothing like I expected. She showed me how to eat for better health, not just to make the scales happy. She has supported me through this journey. Another big supporter/source of encouragement was my friend Melissa. By phone or text or in person, these two have been there for me.

I have been on this journey for almost five months.  I recently had my three-month checkup with my doctor.   I have lowered my cholesterol, lost almost 20 pounds and lowered my A1C from 7.5 to 6.4. And yes, I am extremely proud of this.  The doctor even cut my diabetes meds in half!!

I feel better, have more energy and fewer aches and pains. I’m happier and I HIT ONE YEAR OF BEING SMOKE FREE! I have been doing my crafts again. I even finally got my library card and began enjoying books again. Life is great!

My recommendation to anyone: never give up.  Keep going.  I sometimes cheat on my eating, but tomorrow is always a fresh start.  I finally passed the stage of craving that smoke. It will happen, but it isn’t easy to get there. Nothing worth doing is going to be easy, but if I can do what I’ve done everyone can reach their goals. NEVER STOP DREAMING.

I am still a work in progress.  I am still working on losing more weight.  I am still working on getting completely off all medications.  I plan to be around to see my great-grandchildren. I’ve learned that each day is a gift and I intend to use every day to the fullest.