Lasting Benefits: Healthy Living Success Stories
The stories below are shared by Sinclair employees who are strong>Living Well! You are invited to share your story, too, and be an inspiration for your colleagues. To have your story considered for this page, return to the Lasting Benefits webpage and complete the story form.
Debbie Fobbs
Coordinator, Sinclair City Connects Advising
submitted November 2019
What started you on a journey to better health?
Believe or not, it was our annual Employee Wellness Fair and other resources available at Sinclair. At the Wellness Fair about five years ago, I stopped at the Dietetics table, and when I saw the illustration of the amount of sugar in can of pop, I was truly shocked. I just hadn’t paid attention. I reduced how much pop I drank right away, and since that time water is my beverage of choice.
With that kick-start, did you take any other steps?
About the same time, I got an assessment in the Bod Pod – a tool used by our Allied Health department. When Professor Nila Peavy shared my results, she asked me some tough questions about how I wanted my future to look. My fat-to-muscle ratio was way off, and the information led me to sign up for a PED class. I have taken many since then – Flexibility, Weight Training, Zumba – all sorts. I am much more successful with an instructor than going it alone, and I try to get a friend to take a class with me.
I also have a good friend who has taught me how to eat “clean.” This has improved how I purchase and prepare food for myself and my family. I can’t forget the mobile mammogram. It’s such a great service that Sinclair and Premier Health provides. I go every year. There’s no excuse when it is right on campus.
What have the results been?
Well, what I hoped—I lost weight and I felt so much better! The things that I did were not big changes, but they have become a lifestyle, so I have stayed pretty healthy.
What advice would you give to others?
For one, I wrote down a goal and put it where I see it every day. They say if you put a thought out into the universe, it has a way of coming to pass. That has been true for me with this journey. I would also say start with one thing and see how it goes. Finally, use the resources we have at the college. They are really great—from the Physical Activity Center to the Wellness Fair and more. They have been lifesavers for me.
Christopher Prokes
Senior Instructional Designer, eLearning Division
submitted March 2020
What started you on a journey to better health?
I really didn’t take much stock in my health in my 20’s. I worked a lot. Food was a stress relief – and not healthy food. I am a baseball umpire, and that doesn’t allow as much physical activity as I needed to stay fit. About six years ago, I was working a game and during a play at third base, I called the player out. The coach, who I respect very much, said to me, “Can you maybe call him out from closer than 70 feet?” I hadn’t realized that I had hardly moved from my spot because I had become winded. Then I saw a photo of myself working, and was pretty disgusted – not only with how I looked, but how my performance on the field was suffering.
With that wake-up call, what was your next step?
I met with my doctor and did a full physical. My numbers were terrible, and my doctor was blunt. He said I needed to make changes. We worked out a plan to address my biggest needs – better eating, cardiovascular fitness and weight loss. I committed, was satisfied with the early results, and they’ve improved. I chose running – primarily for the cardio – and have now completed six half-marathons.
What have the results been?
I lost 60 pounds (that’s 4 waist sizes!), and I feel great. I enjoy working out and eating healthy. And it’s a family affair. My wife and I have been on this journey together. She has always been athletic, so she is a great motivator. And my son is a big part of my support system.
I have gotten to know a number of Sinclair employees at the PAC in Building 8 and made several lasting friendships. Those who work out regularly really support each other, and knowing them has given me a greater appreciation for the work being done at the college.
Now that I am fit, I have also been able to excel in my work as an umpire, which has enabled me to represent our region at the high school State Baseball Tournament and college post-season.
What advice would you give to others?It is never too early or too late to start making changes. Make sure to include your doctor, and don’t bite off more that you can chew at once. Don’t be afraid to try something different or stretch your limits. Make time to take care of yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. It is not easy to change, but it can be done. Have a support system of family and/or friends. And it’s OK to splurge once in a while!