Around the Regions

Northern Heart Health Coalition

Bessie's Story

Bessie's story begins in the winter 2000 with an incident that changed her life for the better. Bessie was one of the parents accompanying her seven year old daughter's class on a skating outing that winter. It was Raylene's first time on skates and she was very excited. Bessie was hoping to walk out on the ice with her boots on, but she wasn't allowed. A few of the teachers took Raylene by the hand, but she cried for her mommy to go skating with her. Bessie couldn't.....as she says... "I was too big to go on skates!" Bessie tried to explain to Raylene that mommy couldn't wear skates, but Raylene wanted to know why...when other mommies could. Seeing her little face so hurt, changed Bessie.

All that winter, spring and summer, Bessie never forgot that incident. It was always on her mind. When a new school year started in September, 2000, Bessie knew Raylene would need her to take part in activities, so on October 1, 2000, Bessie's new life began!

Bessie's goal was to loose 140 pounds...a long road ahead...but she was determined to reach her goal. Another reason Bessie wanted to loose weight was because she had asthma and felt that losing weight would be of great benefit to her. At first, Bessie started walking short distances. Her diet consisted of fruits and vegetables, with no high calorie foods or sweets.

Bessie lost 12 pounds the first month, and says "the dieting was and still is hard...going to restaurants with friends and family was difficult...everyone ordering large plates of food and me ordering a chef salad...but I knew this was best".

During the winter, Bessie could not walk outside because of her asthma. Bessie worked at the school during the day and she would walk in the school gym during her breaks. She did her stretching exercises at home. Bessie says... "as the pounds started coming off, I got my self-esteem back, I felt a lot better about me... I could now buy clothes off the racks instead of plus sizes, a miracle in itself".

Bessie joined the lifestyle clinic in Roddickton and talked to the public health nurse every two weeks. There she got weighed, her blood pressure and blood sugar checked, and, received diet counseling. But the most important of all to Bessie was just sitting there and talking to other women... "especially someone who was encouraging me to keep going... even at school or out around the community, when you see these nurses, they would always give you the thumbs up".

On June 24, 2001, Bessie reached a goal of losing 100 pounds. It was a great day. She celebrated by calling friends, who at times, did not think she could do it. This past summer, Bessie went swimming, bike riding, walked trails and yes, even went dancing!

Bessie says... "I think the proudest day for me came when Raylene and I went shopping for school clothes in August... while in the dressing room trying on pants, Raylene said mommy you are the prettiest mom in my school...now that's encouragement!"

Bessie has now lost 122 pounds and has 18 more to lose, and she says she will do it! "The feeling of freedom is unbelievable and having your child be proud of you is beyond words... Raylene and I will go skating this winter...no more tears because of weight".

Congratulations Bessie on achieving your goal!

Ticker Tom Heart Health Program

The Ticker Tom Heart Health Program met with great success in the Northern Region during the summer of 2001. Five facilitator training workshops were held, with 35 youth leaders being trained. A total of 207 children from the communities and surrounding areas of Flower's Cove, Roddickton and St. Anthony participated in the Ticker Tom Program's fun activities and listened to the cool cat's heart health messages about healthy eating, active living and staying smoke-free.

Diabetes Strategy Information Meeting

An information sharing meeting on the Type 2 Diabetes Strategy was held on October 25, 2001, in St. Anthony. Northern Heart Health Coalition members organized and attended the meeting along with interested people from the hospital; school board; town councils; the general public; and, parents, to learn about the Type 2 Diabetes Health Promotion and Prevention Strategy.