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Anita with her grandson Dawson in 2006
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In 2006, I weighed over 250 pounds. I had diabetes, high blood pressure,
high cholesterol and triglycerides. My diabetes was out of control. I was
tired all the time. I was depressed. I didn't exercise and my diet was full
of too much fat, carbohydrates and calories.
I was 43 years old and I was killing myself.
I used all the excuses in the world not to exercise. I was too tired. I
didn't have time. I couldn't exercise in the morning. I couldn't exercise in
the evening. I didn't want to exercise by myself and the best one, I was too
overweight. Actually, I was afraid to exercise for fear of passing out or
having a heart attack because I was so overweight.
Diabetes runs in my family. My paternal grandmother had diabetes and so did
my father. I saw my father die too soon because of this disease, so I knew I
had to start taking control and change what I was doing to myself.
When school started in the fall of 2006, my daughter entered the ninth
grade. The ninth-grade academy was right next to the health department. She
wanted to be at school at 7:30 a.m. Since I didn't have to be at work until
8 a.m., I would drop her off at school and then walk around the parking lot.
I started off slow, walking about 15 or 20 minutes at first. Over time, I
gradually increased the length of time and distance of my walking.
In addition to walking, I also changed my eating habits. I began to eat less
fat, carbohydrates and overall calories. I also changed the way I ate. I
began to eat several smaller meals a day. A little later, I sought the care
of a diabetes specialist who got me on the right combination of medicines to
get my diabetes under control.
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Anita in September 2012
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Today, I am happy to report that I have lost over 100 pounds! My A1C (test
for blood glucose) is in the normal range. My blood pressure is great and my
cholesterol and triglycerides are in the normal range without medication.
My walking routine has increased to seven miles each week day and four miles
on each weekend day. Typically, I walk for an hour in the morning before I
get ready for work, and then walk an hour and twenty minutes after work. I
love walking! Walking is what I do now. I walk in the rain, snow, hail,
wind, cold and heat. I very, very rarely miss a day. I am passionate about
trying to stay as healthy and fit as I can and I think my family and
co-workers are proud of my commitment.
Everything I have done and continue to do can be done by anyone. You just
have to get started, be committed to doing it and sticking with it. I hope
my story inspires someone to take control of his or her health. It takes
work and time but it is well worth it!
Editor's note:
During September, Anita and Anderson Flen, health promotions coordinator for
District 2, led walks for employees at the district office in honor of
Georgia SHAPE Month. These walks were conducted on Thursday afternoons and
were approximately two miles. All employees were encouraged to participate
and many took advantage of these walks.
-Story by Operations Analyst Anita Holsenbeck,
District 2 Public Health
Do you have a health success story you'd like to share? Inspire others by
submitting to
askdph@dhr.state.ga.us.
