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Testimonials

"The program has many benefits — Good information and support and help in changing attitudes to healthier ones."
— Janet P., age 77

"Sometimes people just need a nudge in the right direction to gain education in living a healthy lifestyle. We got out of an unhealthy rut! Thank you so much!"
— Harvey & Ethel S., ages 71 and 68

"We're all going to age. Sure happy for this program that helped me to always choose to age in a 'healthy' fashion."
— Pierre B., age 83

"I would recommend this program, especially the 'Matter of Balance' class and the 1-on-1 sessions with the nurse and social worker. All members of staff were excellent. A very worthwhile program. Thank you!"
— Maria C., age 67

"The program makes one realize how important it is to stay active both mentally and physically to the best of one's ability."
—Leonora H., age 74

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Mary Ellen W's story, age 86
After 60 years of marriage, Mary Ellen couldn't imagine living without her husband. He seemed as much a part of her as her own heart. So Joe's sudden, lethal heart attack on a rainy evening last fall left her paralyzed with depression. She couldn't eat, sleep, or even read the Victorian novels she had always been so fond of. At age 86, she felt ready to give up.
     Fortunately, Mary Ellen's daughter, Kay, wasn't about to let that happen. She stopped by every morning — and often in the afternoon — to encourage her mother to look for help at a nearby senior center. The center offered EnhanceWellness, a program specially designed to help older adults who were feeling physically or emotionally low.
     At first, Mary Ellen resisted, but after a week of pestering, arguing, and persuading, Kay finally convinced her mother to try the program. Mary Ellen started by filling out a health questionnaire. That helped her focus on specific issues and gave her the material she needed to develop her own health action plan. Then she met with the social worker who ran the Grief and Loss Support Group. As part of her plan, she agreed to join the group and to participate in more of the social activities offered at her church. She discussed her progress periodically with the social worker and worked with a health mentor, whom she met regularly for tea.
     Six months later, Mary Ellen graduated from EnhanceWellness. She now participates in other activities at the center and even goes out to dinner occasionally with some new friends she's made there. All in all, she feels that enrolling in EnhanceWellness was one of the best decisions she ever made.

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Paul V's story, age 74
Paul talks about real estate with the self-assuredness of a maestro. In fact, his success in the business had allowed him to retire comfortably at age 50. Perhaps too comfortably. In the 24 years since then, enjoying the good life had led to his becoming overweight and developing diabetes. His energy felt so low that he could no longer keep up with his young grandchildren, whom he adored. It was time to make some changes.
     Paul heard about EnhanceWellness from his brother, Jim, who often spent time at the local senior center. Paul strolled over and asked about the program. He was given a health questionnaire to fill out and an EnhanceWellness nurse helped him develop a health action plan.
     Not only did he decide to lose weight, but Paul made a commitment to get into shape as well. He began eating less red meat and adding more fruits and vegetables to his diet. He also took a walk every day — usually with his 8 year old grandson, Justin. By the time Paul graduated, he had increased his walking distance from two blocks to two miles — Justin had a hard time keeping up — and he had lost ten pounds! Today, Paul looks trimmer, feels healthier, has his diabetes under control, and he'll happily tell you, spends lots more time with the grandkids.

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(revised May 2007)