Tell Us Your Story!

Healthy Utah invites you to share your wellness success story. By doing so, we are able to educate our members of the importance of making healthy changes for life. They will be a resource and inspiration to help others improve their health. Download a Success Story Form (Word document).

Kent's Story, February 2008

When I reached the age of 40, I had the general feeling of malaise all the time. I weighed 220. Once in a while I would jog, but that was usually after the newest “Rocky” movie came out and lasted a few weeks. I blamed my inactivity on the long winters (Alaska).

I accepted employment with the State of Idaho. One of the requirements of employment with Idaho F&G was semi annual physical checkups and exercising, including running 1.5 miles for time. There were pay incentives for those who maximized the tests for their age group. I started working out, and immediately the feeling of malaise left. In the process, however, I learned that I had high cholesterol levels of about 260. I began all sorts of means to lower it, and I was successful in lowering it to about 210, but the doctors still advised against this level.

After 11 years, I accepted employment with Utah State government. I learned of the “Healthy Utah” and the physical activity log. I jumped on the bandwagon. I was happy to receive $60 for each 100 points. I have now jogged since 1985 up to 3 times / week, but then I watched my blood pressure climb. I then purchased a “Total Gym” to augment the jogging. The benefits of the exercising (jogging and Total Gym) have been very rewarding. I have watched my blood pressure drop to 116/70 with resting pulse of 55-60. I can climb stairs without getting out of breath. The combination of Healthy Utah diet tips, check ups, exercise, and control of diet have had amazing results. I weigh 175 and at age 63 can still out-wrestle my grown sons. I feel younger than I did at 40.