Never too late for a do-over
If you’ve ever given up on a New Year’s resolution, said “yes” to junkfood or whispered to yourself, “I can’t do it,” this column is for you — because you can have a healthier, happier life. We’ve seen proof.
We have met amazing people through Dr. Mike’s work at The Cleveland Clinic Wellness Center and Dr. Oz’s work with his patients and guests on The Dr. Oz Show.
They’ve accepted the doover challenge and are living proof that anyone can turn his or her life around and stick with it. The most important thing they’ve learned: A health do-over doesn’t take superhero willpower.
There are science-based, real-world-tested strategies that can get you past the rough spots.
So here are people who overcame physical and mental challenges to achieve successful do-overs.
Val: Breaking food addiction
When Val’s weight soared from 135 pounds to 215 pounds after two pregnancies, she developed type-2 diabetes. She was scared she’d lose her health and her marriage to her loving, fit husband Calvin.
The do-over strategy that made the difference: Getting a buddy.
Val contacted her best friend and asked her to be her daily supporter using email, texts and phone calls.
Every day, Val let her know when she’d completed her 30 extra minutes of physical activity and sent her a daily diary of her meals and snacks.
“It kept me from lying to myself, because I couldn’t lie to my friend,” she said.
rocco: Beating the backslide
Rocco, a 270-pound man with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, agreed to let Dr. Mike coach him through a major do-over.
Rocco shed plenty of pounds and got his diabetes, high blood pressure and arthritis under control.
The do-over strategy that made the difference: Having a purpose. Like all humans, Rocco backslid now and then.
Dr. Mike used a simple reminder: “Rocco, think about your grandchildren.”
Grandma: every little step counts
Dr. Mike met one grandma who wanted to drop pounds and clear up a laundry list of health issues.
The challenge? She was in a wheelchair almost all the time, taking just 64 steps on her own in a typical day.
The do-over strategy that made the difference: Small changes. Dr. Mike suggested she add a few more steps every day. Over two years, she made it to 10,000 a day — the number recommended for great health and weight control. She got rid of her wheelchair after two years.
She dropped 40 pounds, virtually eliminated her arthritis pain and got better control of her diabetes.