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Health Raiser Submission Archive

Click on the links below to see how these individuals are Raisng Health at NKU!

Employee Submissions Students Submissions

Inna Pylyayeva Katherina Correll

Jennifer Stansbury-Koenig Thomas Wolfe

Tonya Smiley Joseph Kegan Davis

Emily Janoski-Heahlen M. Metzger

Pam Luken

I have been walking 4 1/2 miles nearly every day with my neighbor for the past 10 years. Not only do we get in a great cardio workout but as we spend the entire time talking as we walk, it is a great stress reliever as well. In addition to my walking routine, I joined Curves, as I have read that women over 40 need strength training for bone health. I have been a Curves member for 3 years and just celebrated my 600th workout. I don't work out to lose weight but rather to do what I can to stay healthy. It is never to late to start a workout program. We have 5 ladies at my local Curves that are in their 80's. I hope that I have that kind of energy when I'm 80.

Mae Marks

I think I am a Health Raiser because over the past year, through exercise, a better diet and taking up yoga, I have managed to lower my blood pressure. These actions helped me be able to alleviate my blood pressure induced migraines. I am really proud of myself and through my participation in Walktober I look forward to trying to lower my total body fat percentage by 2 points. That is my goal and I am determined to get there! I also play Ultimate Frisbee twice and week and regularly go to the Fitness Classes and I am 2 punches away from my Free Fitness bag! Go me!

Christina Farrell

I''ve maintained a 140+ pound weight loss for two and a half years by changing my eating habits to a mostly whole foods diet and listening to my body.

Adam Hannah

I decided to get a membership to a gym about two years ago. After a month of working out, I immediately fell in love with it. So to get even better results, I started watching what I ate better. And now I have lost about ten pounds and gained a lot of muscle. I also see a lot more definition in my muscles. I also feel a lot better. I seem to have more energy during the day and don't feel so tired.

Inna Pylyayeva

Working on the PRISM project, I spend most of my day at my computer. I do not take a lunch break, and sometimes, I get so busy that I forget to take breaks for hours. Due to heavy use of the mouse, my right hand started feeling tingly. My left hand was also sore because of extensive typing. My both hands kept getting worse, and it got to the point when the palm of my right hand got numb, and I could hardly operate my right hand. The muscles on my right arm got sore as well. I could not take it any more, because of the nature of my work; I could not use a computer for a while so that my hands would get better. I decided to contact the Wellness office for a workstation evaluation. I am so glad now that I did that. A representative of the Wellness center came over and evaluated my workstation setup. She made several recommendations, which I implemented right away. Also, she told me how important it was to take frequent breaks and do certain exercises for my hands, arms, and my back. She shared with me the exercises that would help me. I started timing my day so that I would take a few-minute break every hour. I made sure I got up from my chair and stretched every single hour. Also, I did hand/arm exercises as recommended. Change of my workstation setup along with changing my workday routine made all the difference in the world. Even though it took a long time for my hands to get back to normal, I am keeping my setup, and I continue to take frequent breaks throughout the day. When it gets busy, and I skip a break or two for couple of days, I can feel the difference - my hands start getting numb again. Then, I make the effort to pay more close attention to my breaks. I would like to thank the Wellness Office for their assistance - they made the difference in how I feel. Not only they do an excellent job helping NKU faculty and staff, but also they do it with great care. They care deeply that NKU employees focus on their wellness, and they do an outstanding job making that happen.

Sam Lapin

Working at the NKU Grant County Center, I don’t have access to the heath center. So, I bought a ping pong table and donated it to the Grant County Center.

Melinda Spong

A decade ago I began walking, then swimming and finally switched to running. I went from a couch potato to an active, don't-even-think-about-it-anymore vegetarian. I gave up aches, pains and extra inches for wellness, the fun and easy way.

Rodney Ogburn

I work at Chase College of Law on the fifth floor. During my work day I make several trips across campus to the Administrative building. I start downstairs at the Bursar's office and work my way up to the eighth floor, a couple times a day. I always take the stairs and find that it gives me quite a workout.

Debbie Pope

For 10 years I had Mitral Valve Prolapse. I started taking COQ10 75mg to 100mg / 2 times a day.
I went to have my heart tested for Mitral Valve Prolapsed to see if I still needed drugs before dental cleaning and the test showed normal.

Katherine Correll

Before transferring to NKU I made up my mind that this transition would be a healthy one. Before the semester began I previewed all the different classes offered at the Fitness Center and was so excited about all the choices! Now that classes have started I try my best to attend at least 2 or 3 sessions a week. I would love to be involved in more if my schedule would allow it. As a student, I live in Callahan Hall. Living off campus a healthy choice I try to hold myself to is walking to my classes rather than taking the TANK to campus. I have stayed true to my goal minus the really rainy days. Another way I practice a healthy lifestyle in my dorm is by participating in the "Meatless Mondays" along with any other healthy choices in the Bistro. I've just finished midterms and I believe my healthy lifestyle change is defiinitely reflected in my grades. I can proudly say I am a straight A student for the first time in my academic career. I believe the extra mile I have taken by staying healthy pays off daily in both my scholastic and social life. I love being able to wake up every morning feeling happy, strong and ready to conquer the day.

Cecilia hunt

You can say I was born into a smoking family. Both parents smoke, and I am the youngest of 7 children. All but one sis did smoked. So that means the other 5 brothers and sister do smoke. I started smoking at the age of 8... YUP 8 years old. I tried to quit when I was 12, but my friend Juanita smoked, she was a rather round girl, twice my weight, she sat on top of me and told me to smoke the cigarette or she would not get off me. Yeah I smoked it... Flash forward 24 years, two beautiful children later when my mom was diagnosed with emphysema. My sister in law was pregnant with her first child and was going to stop smoking. I had tried many times before to stop smoking but it never worked. Watching your mom's slow walk down death lane is a real kick in the pants. I did not want to have my kids watch me do the same thing. My mom still smokes, and is on oxygen now... dumb isn't it? I knew from trying to stop before what didn't work. I knew I would have to have a plan. It was October when I put this plan, what I hoped would be the last time I tried to quit, into action. Cold turkey though it may work for some did not work for me. So I made the plan to quit on the 12th of December. I began pushing back when I would smoke my first cigarette. Slowly eliminating a cigarette here or there, but not trying to stop, just slow down, forming other habits instead of smoking. I also started Welbutrin which was reported to help the cravings. I knew that I first had to tackle the hand to mouth oral fixation I had. And I didn't want to blow up like a balloon from candy, so carrots became my substitute. And for the next month in a half I slowly winged myself off my destructive path which I had been on for 28 long years. They say stress is a trigger... the day before I quit my car died... I lived in Burlington and had to get to work, yeah that was stress. But I knew I wanted to stay the course. The next day I put on the Nicotine patch I bought at Walgreen's, and stayed away from all my friends since they smoked. I did the step down method with the patches quicker since I needed a car and couldn't afford to continue the nicotine regime I was on. I was off of cigarettes for the first time in 28 long years. I had taken a test in a doctors office that had you blow into a tube... i had the lungs of a 151 year old person. 2 years ago I decided I wasn't to try and get my lungs into better shape. i started what is known as a Telephone Poll work out. Telephone poles are evenly spaced.(.10th of a mile) you run to one then walk to the next, run walk on and on. I could not run from one to the next when I first started. I was on track when I was in High school... and I can't run from one telephone pole to the next?? It has been a journey, but today is the first time I have ran 1 1/2 miles non stop at 6.0mph. I am so proud of myself. I still watch my mom smoke herself to death. She is killing herself. it is so sad. If you want to know what it is like grab a couple of blankets get under them and just breath for about 30-45 minutes, then throw the blankets off and see how different it feels. That is what it is like after about 5 years of smoking. You just don't realize what you're doing. It has been 6 years since I stopped smoking. It took me 6 years to get my lungs back into shape. I smell better, breathe better, food taste better. I am left with one reminder from my smoking days, I have to clear my throat a lot. but, it just reminds me that I don't want to start again. If this helps anyone stop smoking, I am glad to share my story. I am now 42 years old; I know that I have damaged my lungs, some of which will never be reversed. But I am at less risk for a heart attack, and my bones will not be as fragile. I was able to finally do what my kids had begged me for years to do. I didn't realize the impact on them. I can smell smoke on someone who was just around a smoker, it is a horrible smell. And I subjected my kids to that and put them at risk as well. I was also able to show them that they can over come anything. And so can you. Good Luck in your fight to stop smoking.
Cecilia Hunt

Thomas Wolfe

Mid way through my senior year of High School I was 214 pounds and as a freshman at NKU my current weight is 146 pounds. Over the summer I cut out soda and candy as well as fast food. I currently run 4 to 5 miles a day. By doing this I went from a pant size of 38 to a size 32.

Jelena Veselinovic

Some people say that it is bad to have a really late dinner. Even at nine or so. If I know that I will be getting together with people late at night and I know that I will eat. I will usually have a very small lunch. For example, if I know that I will be eating a big steak for dinner. I will have a small can of tuna and an apple for lunch. That's why I consider myself a health raiser!

Amanda Magee

I've learned that I do not need to deprive and starve myself to be healthy. The number on the scale or the size in my pants does not matter and letting the stress get to you, and letting yourself do hurtful, unhealthy things is no way at all to live. By doing what I like to do anyway, exercise and eating healthy foods, I am much healthier. By just eating right and being active I've gotten to the weight I wanted all along and I feel happier! I know I am healthier and stronger than ever before. I hope others can see that size doesn't matter and no one is perfect, but keeping your self healthy and out of health risk danger you can live a much more fulfilling life.

Lisa Jameson

Despite my strong love of coffee, I have given it up to be healthier. Even though I drank "half-caff", I knew it was not good for my metabolism. I now drink one cup of green tea in the morning and herbal tea the rest of the day and what a difference it's made! My blood sugar does not fluctuate nearly as much, I am so much nicer to be around and good news to the women "of a certain age", number of hot flashes cut in half!

Jennifer Stansbury-Koenig

I like to think I have led a fairly active and healthy lifestyle my entire life; I eat conscientiously, I’ve been involved with soccer and volleyball teams for more than 20 years, I enjoy hiking, climbing, and camping, gardening and being outdoors as much as possible. So when my lung collapsed spontaneously this past February, it was quite a shock! After three days in the hospital with a tube between my ribs, I wasn’t healing, and as the doctors tried to prepare me for additional surgery, I couldn’t understand why my healthy body wouldn’t heal. My time in the hospital allowed me a lot of time to reflect on how busy I had been the past few years focused on my job, renovating our house, playing sports, and volunteering time to various non-profits and our city council. I realized that I hadn’t focused much on myself and that it was time to slow down to focus on ME. After ten days in the hospital it took a few weeks before I felt confident in my lungs were healthy enough to begin exercising again. On April 1st I decided that even if it took me ten minutes, I needed to take the five flights of stairs in Founders every morning. Almost a year later, I consistently walk the stairs every trip to and from my office. By May, I was able to begin practicing yoga again at a studio two blocks from our house. I started taking yoga classes here at NKU more than three years ago and am now a very dedicated yogini, practicing three times a week or more â€“ my practice offers me time and opportunity to focus on myself. The YAYA classes have been a fantastic break during my hectic days and I am so excited that they are offered twice a week now. I am also excited to be a member of our Healthy Workplace Committee, and hope that I can inspire others to find the time to focus on being healthy.

M. Metzger

I'm a 54 year old student returning to get my bachelors degree and be able to rebuild my marketability within this tight job market. I have decided to take advantage of my student status and use the Health Center to loose 20 pounds by summer and make my presentence on this earth a little lighter. This will also help my heart, my cholesterol, and my overall being.

Joseph Kegan Davis

My first semester here at NKU was the best one ever. I lived in Norse Hall and I met knew friends, had college experiences I couldn’t get anywhere else. Going into my first semester my body weight was about 185. Well soon enough every kid has to wash there clothes and that’s where i saw a FRESHMAN 15 poster and thought to myself that will never be me. So everyday I would eat breakfast lunch and dinner in the commons. Before i knew it i was what i thought I couldn’t be. I had gained 15-20 lbs. Realizing it was from lack of exercise and eating at the commons everyday i left NKU for the summer with a goal to regulate my weight. Coming back in the FALL 09 I decided that i would live on campus but didn’t have to have a meal plan, while helping financially the transition to buying my own food helps because i eat more salads and not left with he decision to choose between a cheeseburger or pizza. Then I met my roommate which happened to be pre-med. I asked him some pointers on exercising along with my knowledge learned over the summer. So periodically we would go to the gym, twice a week, then three times and before you know it we went everyday at the same time. I started running about 2 miles a day and eating right with the help of my dad, siblings, and my roommate i was able to go from 200 to where i am now which is 172 and i plan on staying at the weight while continuing to exercise and keeping a healthy eating habit.

Heather Weckbach

This past December I found out that my cholesterol was extremely high (280). My doctor put me on medication right away and I was devastated because I am only 20 years old! This was a real wake up call for me. I usually exercised about 3 days a week and watched what I ate, but I realized I needed to do more. So, I started going to the gym 5 days a week where I do the elliptical for about 45 minutes and then weight train. My doctor also recommended that I make some changes to my diet. I have now started to eat fish 2-3 times per week, a handful of almonds every day, and have substituted regular milk for soy milk. The fatty acids in fish and the soy protein in soy milk both help to remove cholesterol from your body. Along with these changes I have cut out fast food, am eating a lot more salad and fresh produce, and eat desserts sparingly. My ultimate goal is to lower my cholesterol so that I can go off the medicine. I go back to the doctor this month to get my cholesterol levels checked. Hopefully my changes have paid off!

Tonya Smiley

I am a health raiser because of my diligence in getting yearly mammograms I was able to detect cancer before a lump was formed and have a 2% recurrence rate and I have been working to lose weight and improve how physically fit I am. After my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer I began getting yearly mammograms. The mammogram that was done in 2008 showed some shadowing so I was called back for a second mammogram and then a biopsy. The shadow on the mammogram was determined to be cancer on one side and cysts on the other. I was diagnosed with DCIS (breast cancer) on February 20, 2008 and chose to have a double mastectomy on March 20, 2008. I chose an aggressive approach to the treatment of my breast cancer with the bilateral mastectomy. This choice allowed me to not have chemotherapy and/or radiation and has reduced my chances of a recurrence to 2%. During the time of my diagnosis a weight loss/bible study program was begun at St. Therese. I did not join initially due to the medical issues I was dealing with, but began the program in September 2008. Since then I have lost 37 lbs. This program is good for me since I am a "texture" person and have trouble eating many of the foods that are found in most weight loss programs. This program allows me the freedom to eat the types of foods that I normally eat. It promotes relearning to listen to your body and only eating appropriate portions when you have reached a certain level of hunger. Religion and prayer are used for the times that you turn to food because of boredom, stress, or any other reason a person turns to food. Along with the weight loss, I have been working on becoming more physically fit. I have begun riding a bike 3 to 4 times per week outside of work hours. During work hours I have found that every hour to two hours I get up from my desk and walk up the steps in my building and back down. Surviving cancer, weight loss, and physical activity are the reasons I believe that I am a health raiser.

Diane Maldonado

I decided to start eating healthier and exercising because I suddenly noticed that in my pictures I had become something that had a close resemblance to Jabba the Hut rather than a 5 foot and ¾ of an inch (every 3/4 of an inch counts) and 150 lbs woman. I was tired of waiting for the right moment to start a healthy lifestyle. I was desperately wanted to fit into my skinny clothes that took up most of my closet. There was a woman in the closet that wanted to come out and look good (no, not that kind of closet). I know that 150 lbs person doesn’t sound that much but when you squash 0.0005 short tons into the size of someone from munchkin land you would need wide scope to see the full picture. It seemed like I had two set of eyes because when I look in the mirror, I thought that I didn’t look that bad but when pictures were taken I had magically acquired 30 pounds. I guess the seams in my pants that were starting to pull apart helped me realized that my eyes were deceiving me. My family has a bad history of health. My mom had a heart attack at the age of 45 and from there it went down hill. She had everything under sun even something that doctors couldn’t diagnose which means an opportunity to do expensive “research”. Diabetes did not help my mom either; I had seen the effects of someone who didn’t take care themselves. Since my parents were very generous with their genes, I was bound to inherit one of the treasured and covenanted diseases. So, when I was pregnant I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes (which is a warning sign to all who have this). I was put on a diet made for whales that eat too much. It was a great diet because I managed to loose 1lb. I don’t know if it has a specific name to it but I call it the diabetic diet. I have tried almost every diet, from metabalife that made me shake like a heroin addict (not implying that I have ever tried it) to the extreme diets like starve-yourself-until-your-stomach-eats-itself diet. I have been obsessed about being skinny because I thought people would like me more if I looked like a bean pole. I had investigated all the internet sites about dieting and bought books, bought as seen on T.V videos that swear that you will lose weight and look like a model and equipment to help me but did not use them consistently. As time passed dieting was put on the back burner because I had no time, energy nor self-esteem to put an investment into it. Then one day after crying like a 5 year over some recent pictures, I decided to get back on the bandwagon again. So one Monday morning I woke up and just did it. I decided to go on the diabetic diet. Mulling over all the excess information that I had gathered, I noticed a few things that were consistent; eating healthy and exercising. What is healthy eating? It’s not a diet it’s about eating as little as unprocessed foods that I can so that my body can feel good. I eat 5-6 times a day, because it keeps my metabolism going. My body does not have a chance to get hungry so it can’t go into “starvation mode”. I can eat whatever I want but I watch the quantity and the nutrition facts. I can have chocolate but only a small portion. I can’t suck the chocolate up like a vacuum cleaner like I used to. I savor and enjoy it more because I know it’s a treat and I can’t have it every 10 minutes like I used to. I’ve cut out pop which was easy to do because I tricked my mind into believing that if I drink it my teeth will hurt which on occasional they would. My mom always said that the mind is very powerful thing, it can make you sick, and it can make you feel anyway it wants to. I’ve always had a weight issue and I think it ties in with my self-esteem. You have to accept yourself how you are first before you can improve. I have been depressed and seen a psychologist who gave me make-nice pills and been convinced that I am worth nothing but I believe you can train your mind to think positive and surround yourself with positive people. I have goals in life and I look forward to reaching them. That’s what keeps me positive-the future. I still get depressed but not as often and when it happens I try to occupy my mind with positive things and focus on how it will be when I reach my goal. As far as size goes, I don’t want to be a 2 dimensional person. I want to be a woman with curves; I want to be at a healthy weight and not have to worry about losing my breath every time I eat a sandwich. I don’t want to look like a moon with rings around my waist every time I wear my plastered on pants. I’ve just started my eating healthy regimen last Monday. The first week I was very tired and worn out because my body was going into shock from the lack of calories. Now that I am used to my diet I look forward to working out and my meals. I need to work out! I feel positive because I see some change. I was able to fit into my python-tight pants today and I felt like I could touch the ceiling (virtually impossible, I decided to start eating healthier and exercising because I suddenly noticed that in my pictures I had become something that had a close resemblance to Jabba the Hut rather than a 5 foot and Â¾ of an inch (every wellâ€¦3/4 of an inch counts) and 150 lbs woman. I was tired of waiting for the right moment to start a healthy lifestyle. I was desperately wanted to fit into my skinny clothes that took up most of my closet. There was a woman in the closet that wanted to come out and look good (no, not that kind of closet). I know that 150 lbs person doesn’t sound that much but when you squash 0.0005 short tons into the size of someone from munchkin land you would need wide scope to see the full picture. It seemed like I had two set of eyes because when I look in the mirror, I thought that I didn’t look that bad but when pictures were taken I had magically acquired 30 pounds. I guess the seams in my pants that were starting to pull apart helped me realized that my eyes were deceiving me. My family has a bad history of health. My mom had a heart attack at the age of 45 and from there loose 1lb. I don’t know if it has a specific name to it but I call it the diabetic diet. I have tried almost every diet, from metabalife that made me shake like a heroin addict (not implying that I have ever tried it) to the extreme diets like starve-yourself-until-your-stomach-eats-itself diet. I have been obsessed about being skinny because I thought people would like me more if I looked like a bean pole. I had investigated all the internet sites about dieting and bought books, bought as seen on T.V videos that swear that you will lose weight and look like a model and equipment to help me but did not use them consistently. As time passed dieting was put on the back burner because I had no time, energy nor self-esteem to put an investment into it. Then one day after crying like a 5 year over some recent pictures, I decided to get back on the bandwagon again. So one Monday morning I woke up and just did it. I decided to go on the diabetic diet. Mulling over all the excess information that I had gathered, I noticed a few things that were consistent; eating healthy and exercising. What is healthy eating? It’s not a diet it’s about eating as little as unprocessed foods that I can so that my body can feel good. I eat 5-6 times a day, because it keeps my metabolism going. My body does not unless I stack chairs up on top of each other). I feel happy and motivated to push myself to get to my goal. The healthy weight for my height according to the internet calculator is 100 lbs. I think that is unrealistic. I am shooting for 120-128 lbs. I have even created an excel sheet to track my calories, fiber, fat and carbs. I know its sounds a little obsessive, ok-way obsessive but I am only doing this temporary until I can get used to portion sizes and know what healthy foods to eat. Eating healthy foods also makes me feel good. And thanks to the Walktober program, I feel lost without my pedometer when I forget it at home. I have even thought about buying another pedometer to keep at work when I forget my friend at home. I find it easier to have a little more will power than before because I am determined to not to look like a blob. I am hopeful and confidant that I will reach my goal and maintain it. Counting the fats and calories helps me to be more conscious about the foods that I put in my mouth. It may seem too much right now but as time goes on I will do pretty well about guessing the nutrition content. I do cheat a little but not to the extent of consuming 1000 mores calories, just enough to get a taste of sweet chocolate or something loaded down with fat. It’s been 7 years since my mom passed away and I have learned a lot from her mistakes. I don’t want to die due to a lot of health problems. I want to be able to function normal and enjoy life up until the day I die. I don’t want to sleep sitting up because I can’t breathe when lying down. I want to be able to go outside and not be afraid of getting stuck somewhere because my legs won’t work. I don’t people to push me around in a wheelchair all because I didn’t take care of myself. I’ve decided to take a stand and do something about it. So eyes on the prize, skinny clothes or should I say healthy clothes here I come.

Maggie Gray

I am a health raiser because I strive to be the healthiest person I can be. I eat lots of fruits and veggies, work out at least four times a week, and promote healthy eating habits amongst my family and friends. I carry a pedometer at all times and walk at least 12,000 steps a day. Being healthy has become a routine and fun part of my everyday life!

Amy Danzo

I believe that I am a health raiser because I have a drive to be healthy, no matter what obstacles I have to tackle. Never a runner before, I started about 2 years ago running with my husband. He is the manager of Town and Country Sports and Health Club, so exercise and sports are his life. I started off only being able to run for about 5 minutes at a time. I gradually worked through the aches and pains and went at a pace that was right for me. My husband could have easily ran ahead of me, but he kept right with me, motivating me every step of the way. I ran in my first 5K in August 2009 (Brian Rhone Memorial) and completed another 5K in October of 2008 (Bridges Walk/Run). I am currently pregnant and have gotten the OK from my doctor to continue running. On May 2nd, 2009, I will be 22 weeks pregnant and running in my 3rd 5K (Flying Pig) with my husband. I definitely could not have done it without his motivation! I have also motivated one of my coworkers to train and run in the 5K in May as well. Being fit is not an option anymore, it is my lifestyle.

Rachel Brueggen

Since college I have been battling weight issues. I won't lie when I say I loved to eat food....all sorts of food. I wasn't really picky. Then one day back in January I woke up and decided I wanted to take my life back. I started walking for 30 minutes at lunch in the Health Center. I signed up for Healthy Start, the program here on Campus. The program made me want to do something about my weight. So I started watching what I eat. I have reprogrammed my mind to make healthy choices. I eat a lot of fresh veggies now and have cut my daily calorie intake by about 1000 calories. Did I mention I loved to eat? I have added more exercise to my daily routine. I am walking about 30 minutes or more at lunch and then working out about 40-60 minutes after work doing cardio and incorporating some weights. In the last three weeks since I have been going to the Northern Lites support group I have lossed 7 pounds. To me that’s huge and has even encouraged me to watch what I eat even more and exercise harder. I know at some point I will plateau...we all do but that’s when I will have to change my workout routine. But today and right now I am fine with losing 2-3 pounds a week. I don't have to starve myself or count points. I just watch what I eat and if I have that "treat" I walk extra or incorporate more exercise. I feel great. I have a lot more energy hopefully by November I will be half way to my goal. The best thing is I can tell a difference not just in the way I look but in my attitude. You have to want to make the change to be successful and you have to make "you" a priority. Don't diet...make a lifestyle change and you will tell a difference too!

Emily Janoski-Haehlen

I am currently participating in the Live It team challenge and at first I didn't think I would see a difference in my health from the program. I thought I was already eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, 5 glasses of water, and plenty of whole grains - but I was wrong. After only two weeks of participating in the Live It program, I not only have more energy from eating more fruits and veggies and whole grains, but I have lost 4 pounds without even "dieting." My team members’ encouragement also helps me stay motivated to eat right and exercise! I think the team atmosphere is also a big part of why I have been so successful with this program. This program really has made me healthier so I hope to continue it even after it ends!

Stacey Runion

I decided that I was tired of looking in the mirror and feeling bad about what was in front of me. I decided to make time to go to the gym at least 3 days a week for 45 minutes; 2 hours and 15 minutes per week is definitely worth improving my health and physical appearance! I love fast food, but I knew that I would have to sacrifice my unhealthy eating habits in order to achieve my goal of losing weight. It has not been easy, but instead of fast food and soda, I now eat a great deal of fruits and vegetables, and drink mostly water. It has only been 3 weeks, and I already feel so much better physically and mentally. I am excited about this huge lifestyle change I am making and look forward to seeing more positive results!

Tracy Osborne

In my first three semesters at NKU I thought I had to be super involved on campus and always be going. Well I found that keeping up with four organizations, my class work, and working was stressing me out to a unhealthy point. I would find myself not eating properly, if at all, not making it to the gym, and not spending time with my friends.