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Doug Richey (right)†presents Linda Kerley†with a†gift basket for being named ��������?s Fittest Employee†of the Month†for July. To receive this award, an employee must†be caught practicing †overt wellness behavior and attitude.†

The Wellness Committee is on the lookout for a September recipient!

Here's a message from Linda regarding her†personal wellness plan?

First of all I was very surprised and honored to get the e-mail for the Fittest Employee of the Month.† By far I am not the fittest employee, but I am working on it each and every day.

I had joined the weight loss challenge here on campus and had mainly cut back on certain foods, and began walking almost every day.† In mid-June I had a visit to the ER and after numerous tests, blood work, etc., I was diagnosed as having a possible TIA ? mini stroke.† Yes ? it shocked me too.† So I had to stay in the hospital for more tests, and observation.† The next day I was visited by various members of different departments, did a barrage of tests, and then the Doctor from the stroke department came by and talked to me.† I listened to him ? knowing I was very lucky to have no damage and realized this is a wakeup call ? and I needed to really pay attention to everything he is saying.† Which I did ? so after he was done talking he asked me if I had any questions ? my response was ?What do I need to do to prevent this from happening again?† His response was to get in shape ? lose weight, exercise, eat healthy, and avoid stress.† My family were there when he was talking to me ? and my daughter brought me a book about Clean Eating, so I read that book.† From this episode - I have made the commitment to myself, and family ? that I was going to change my lifestyle.

I was only in the hospital a couple of days ? so when I was released I was put on a 1500 calorie cardiac diet, which included not to go over 1500 mg of sodium in a day.† I had to see a nutritionist, neurologist, and my primary care doctor.† I have seen all three of them.†† My primary care doctor suggested a personal trainer or someone to help me get started.† I mentioned this to a group in the mailroom ? and Jessica Keith said she would work out with me and get me started on a program.† Which I do appreciate it ? I just needed that initial push and I try to work out and do some form of exercise daily.† I also have a lot of encouragement from my family† - daughter, son-in-law, son, daughter-in-law, husband, and brother and sister in law (in Michigan) and mainly my little granddaughter ? I want to be around for her and future grandchildren.† I also have a lot of encouragement from my �������� family members ? I am very thankful each and every one of you are part of my life.† It is also such a great feeling when your kids tell you ?how proud they are of you and when the doctor said you needed to get in shape ? you listened to him? and I am doing it.† So now the main thing I have changed are my eating habits, Now I eat to live, and I keep track of everything I eat and I do exercise a lot more than I did and a major plus I have lost weight.† I am feeling so much better and have an approaching doctor appointment and am hoping to have very positive results.