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To help you connect to, and take charge of, your health and wellbeing, the PHBP would like to introduce you to Linda and Larry. We hope you enjoy our “reality” programming—and get some helpful tips for taking advantage of your benefits and connecting to your health.
Meet Larry and Linda. Larry is an IBEW Local 3 member. He is married to Linda and they have two teenage kids. Larry is 43, 20 pounds overweight and does not exercise on a regular basis. Working all day as an electrician is exercise enough. He enjoys watching sports on TV and occasionally walking the dog. Linda also does not exercise on a regular basis. Caring for her family and home take up all of her energy. Linda smokes a pack a day and would like to lose 15 pounds.
Let’s join them on their journey to healthier lives. . . .
CHAPTER 10: GOODBYE TO SUMMER
The summer had been a good season for Larry and Linda. Both continued their commitment to good heath by meeting their individual goals. Larry exercised regularly, tried to eat healthy on a consistent basis and kept up with his medications and doctor appointments. Linda managed to maintain her desired weight, kept her doctor appointments, exercised regularly and, most important of all, stopped smoking. Now that fall was here, they decided to reevaluate their activities and get ready for the season.
Linda knew that there was a beautiful nature preserve only minutes from their home, but neither she nor Larry had ever been there. So, one Saturday in October, she and Larry put on their jackets and took a long, brisk walk along the paths in the preserve. The air was crisp and invigorating. Both were grateful to enjoy the lovely autumn weather before the harsh winter moved them back into the gym. They agreed to take this walk at least three times a week while the weather was nice.
Both knew the importance of keeping hydrated, so once the heat kicked on in the house, they were conscious of the need to make sure they drank enough water. Keeping hydrated not only made them look better, it also helps to keep them healthy.
Another way Larry and Linda decided to keep healthy was to make an appointment at the JIB Medical Department for their annual flu shots. The flu shot is recommended for all adults, as are such healthy habits as washing your hands frequently with hot, soapy water (the influenza virus can live for up to 48 hours on surfaces such as door knobs, gas pumps, shopping cart handles and ATM machines) and covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
On the way home from the JIB Medical Department, Larry wanted to stop off and buy a pumpkin for their usual Halloween decoration, Linda was reminded that fall fruits and vegetables could be part of a delicious and healthy meal. Instead of shopping the frozen food aisle at the grocery store, she decided to drive to a local produce stand and purchase fresh fall fruits and vegetables along with that pumpkin.
And speaking of Halloween, an invitation to a Halloween costume party was waiting for Linda and Larry in their mailbox. It seems Brenda and Eddie (who was feeling much better these days since he started following his doctor’s advice after his Cardio Prevention Plan test at the JIB Medical Department) were hosting a party and costumes were a must. Now the question was: what costumes will Larry and Linda pick for the party?
Will Larry and Linda keep up their weekly walks? Will they eat their leftover Halloween candy? Will Larry survive football season? Will Eddie stay the course? Check back soon for the further adventures of Larry and Linda—and Eddie and the gang—as they take their next steps to Connect to Health.
Earlier Chapters
Chapter One: The Journey Begins
Chapter Three: Surviving the Holidays
Chapter Four: The Super Bowl Party
Chapter Six: Avoiding Unhealthy Temptations
Chapter Seven: 10,000 Steps —One Step at a Time
Chapter Eight: Pool Maintenance
Chapter Nine: Hot Dog Intervention
