Connie Clary

Connie Clary

Membership Services Administrator, WIPB

When my doctor told me that I needed to lose weight or I would have to start taking medication, I knew it was time to make some healthy changes in my life. I wanted to have enough energy to play with my granddaughter and learn how to make better eating choices. I also wanted to show my adult children that it’s never too late to change your life and get in shape. Since deciding to make healthy changes, I began seeing the Working Well dietitian and trying to stay as active as possible. I have learned how to eat a healthy, nutritious diet and now I ride my bike 5 miles each day. These changes have led to a 50-pound weight loss and a feeling of pride in myself! I have started using meditation and music to help with stress management and sleep. Now I am sleeping better, have more energy, to do things like ride my bike and keep up with my grand kids, and my outlook is much better!

Lisa Beck

Assistant Lecturer of the Dept of Nutrition & Health Science

My motivation primarily comes from wanting to feel better, move easier in my daily routine, and to be a healthier role model for my students, friends, and family

I had always preferred exercising in the afternoon, but I found there were too many meetings and other “important excuses” that would pop up during the day and prevent me from getting to the gym. So one positive change I have made was prioritizing fitness, even with my busy schedule.  This required moving my workouts to first thing in the morning before the day’s schedule got in my way.  Although this took some getting used to, I can’t imagine starting my day any other way.  I have more energy throughout the day, am calmer and more patient, and feel like I have accomplished something healthy right out of the gate each morning. 

A second important change was improving what I ate.  Meeting with the dietitian, through Working Well, was tremendously valuable because I did the BMR breathing test, did my Body composition, and received sound advice to help me.  Setting up monthly check-in appointments has also helped me stay accountable.  When my weight loss plateaued, it was the dietitian who provided great suggestions to get me headed back in the right direction. Using food tracking apps such MyFitnessPal or Cronometer are part of my daily routine.  I strive to be honest with my calories (even when I splurge) so I can be more mindful of the consequences. Since September 2017, I have lost 80 pounds, am down 7 pants sizes, and feel amazing!

A healthy tip that I have is believing you can do it and making one little change at a time. Packing a snack bag of baby carrots, drinking an extra bottle of water, or taking a 5-minute walk before work can be a step in the right direction. Another tip is to practice mindfulness and be present in what you are doing. Lowering stress and getting rid of the guilt and negativity is definitely beneficial to all domains of your health. The last tip I have is to find a physical activity that you enjoy so that it feels more like a reward that you get to do rather than a nightmare you have to endure!  I’m a BIG fan of using the resources we have through Working Well. Using the vouchers for either a membership to the Rec or for a RecFit pass is a great start.

Rona Robinson Hill Success Story

Rona Robinson Hill

Assistant Professor of the Department of Biology

It's most important to me to be able to complete my job as a professor with student practicums with little to no pain.

A turning point in my decision to focus on my well-being was when I was hired as a professor on a walking campus. I knew I needed to lower my weight. I decided to contact the Working Well Program to make sure I could work with a dietitian each semester. 

My children are a great motivation to improve my well-being, but the support and accountability I receive from my Ball State dietitian and health coach is also very important. They are true partners in my continuing journey toward wellness.

Some positive actions I have taken to improve my well-being are reduction in eating bread, diary products, and high calorie foods, maintain a food diary on MyFitness Pal app, and visiting the gym to participate in cardio exercises. 

 

Jean Wheat

Jean Wheat Success Story

Facilities Landscape Worker, South Grounds

"When I started this journey to improve my health, I knew I needed to make some changes in my eating and exercise habits. I am active in my job, but exercising after work and on the weekends at least four days a week has made a difference in how I feel. I have more energy. I also realized I ate way too much, so I've been cutting out snacks, making smarter food choices, and watching my portions. It's making a difference. So far, I've lost 43 pounds. My family, friends, co-workers, and the Working Well office are part of my support system. They encourage me and keep me accountable toward my goals."

Todd Sciscoe

Todd Sciscoe

Materials Handler, Shipping and Receiving

Purchasing Services

"December 28, 2015, I decided it was time to start doing something about my health. I cut my eating in half and started walking at lunch with a 40-pound weight vest. All I did was walk around the warehouse, and the weight started falling off. Fast forward to April and my wife, Jackie, set a goal for us to ride 1,000 miles on our bikes. We reached that goal in 59 days. I have started working out out with old-school stuff, a 300 pound tractor tire, cinder blocks, a logging chain, a three-pound jump rope, and a sledge hammer. My goal is to keep this up until my next doctor visit. At my most recent visit, all my vitals were at or below normal, and all were down from my last visit." 


Linda TaylorLinda Taylor, Assistant Professor

Department of Elementary Education 

"In 2009 I was diagnosed with allergy-induced asthma.  It took almost 9 months before the doctor felt my asthma was under control.  As part of my asthma treatment I meet bi-annually with a person in the AHN Respiratory Clinic.  Yearly I take a spirometry test.  Two years ago the test identified me as having the lungs of a 60+ person.  Last year I worsened to a 70+ year-olds lungs.  However, this year when the test was conducted in March, the test revealed that I have the lungs of a 55-year-old, which is my actual age!  I credit 

my improvement to the fact that I participated in the “Take the Stairs” challenge in TC during Feb. & March.  I have difficulty doing stairs, so I walked laps on the floors.  I would take the elevator to the 10th floor and go down the stairs and on each level that had a circular layout, I would walk laps.  By the end of the stair challenge, I was doing 3 times as many laps as I did when I started!  While I still struggle with my weight, I at least feel like I’m moving better than I have in years!  The stair challenge was the motivation that I needed!" 


Dianna CookDianna Cook

Payroll Operations Representative
Payroll Operations and Employee Benefits

"I love how Ball State is working to help us become healthier. Our Working Well Ambassador, Terri Heston, has been bigger cheerleader for the last year since started a weight loss and exercise program. She keeps our office excited about exercise and makes it fun. She has impacted my life and the lives of many others in a very positive and profound way." 


Nida FilsNidia Flis
Associate Lecturer, Intensive English Institute  

Like many people on and off campus, I have become more aware of my health. I noticed several of them, including in my own apartment, that were able to make positive changes on their own. For instance, eating healthier, working out more, and losing extra weight. In my case, however, I was finding it extremely difficult to make these changes on my own, especially losing the extra weight that I had gained. As a result, I decided to look for help and Working Well was the answer. Not only did I lose the extra weight, but I also got better educated about choices that I hope to apply for the rest of my life.

I worked with Madison from Working Well. It was a pleasure to work with her. She’s a great professional and does a great job in not only telling what you should do, but telling you why you should do it. That way she’s giving you tools and teaching you how you should use them to make permanent changes. She’s very pleasant to deal with. She always listened to me and prepared plans to meet my goals, needs, and even preferences. I always felt comfortable talking with her. I’m very grateful to her and Working Well for everything they’ve done for me. I highly recommend that others use their services.