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“I didn’t want to become another diabetes statistic.”
Carissa’s motivation to get healthy was her mom. “I was concerned that I would follow in her footsteps, health wise,” Carissa said. “Her struggles with diabetes left me very aware of how much I don’t want those battles to become my own. I didn’t want to become another diabetes statistic.” So when she got the invitation to join the Brook+ diabetes prevention program, she jumped at the chance.
“Working with my Brook+ Health Coach has been so motivating,” Carissa said. “Getting reminders to do things I already knew I should be doing, but was putting off until later, has been so helpful.” Carissa set a big goal on her 53rd birthday – walking 1,000 miles before she turns 54. She and her Health Coach worked closely to keep the motivation up. “I messaged my Health Coach every single mile of the way. That’s no exaggeration – Every. Single. Mile. Her support has been a real factor in getting my walking shoes on, especially during quarantine.” Carissa reached her 1,000 mile goal on her birthday and celebrated with a new pair of walking shoes for her next adventure.
“I messaged my Health Coach every single mile of the way. That’s no exaggeration –
Every. Single. Mile.”
What’s more than Carissa’s new found motivation for movement are the health results it’s brought her. At her most recent annual exam, all her blood work numbers were in normal range – something she hasn’t seen in the past. “That’s a serious victory for me,” she said.
Carissa says her new healthy habits have become her lifestyle now, and she’s not looking back. “I encourage everyone to give it a try, there’s no downside or negatives. In fact, I loved it so much, I’m doing it all over again!” Next year, Carissa and her Health Coach are helping her gear up to run a half marathon, her biggest goal yet.
Reviewed by Heather King, MS, RDN, CDE
on May 20, 2021. Heather is a Certified Diabetes Educator, has been a Registered Dietitian for over 12 years and is Brook's Health Director.