The first round of Healthier Cumberland Healthy Lifestyle Coaching classes came to a close in September, and the results were amazing.  All participants lost weight, with an average weight loss of 14 pounds per person.  About 70% of participants opted to have repeat health screenings, including blood pressure, waist measurement, blood sugar, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels.  Of those individuals, 90% experienced a decrease in their total cholesterol, some by as much as 60 mg/dl.  The average reduction in total cholesterol was 24 mg/dl.  About 87% lowered their blood pressure.  Triglyceride levels declined in 80% of participants, with an average drop of 46 mg/dl.  About 70% also saw a reduction in LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, some by over 50 mg/dl.  The average reduction in LDL cholesterol levels was 13 mg/dl.  Here are what a few of the class participants have to say:

This was a fantastically successful program with our entire class making their weight goals.  The knowledgeable and enthusiastic coaches, Kathy Riemer and Marla Prytz, were first class for our first class, emphasizing healthy eating and being more physically active to help prevent diabetes. I only wish that a program like this would have been available a couple of decades ago. Perhaps I could have foregone type 2 diabetes, clogged arteries, and the resulting 5 (artery) by-pass heart surgery.  The program is set up to teach us how to make smart food choices and exercise at least 30 minutes a day. It is the choices we make that determine how well we succeed. For me, the comparison of my two health screenings tells it all.

We hear it all the time - to lose weight and improve fitness requires a change in lifestyle.  I think it’s fair to say this program has changed my lifestyle.