DelaWELL Program -- Motivation Station "Placing Delaware at the Forefront of Wellness"

Welcome aboard DelaWELL’s Motivation Station!

Need some inspiration? If so, we encourage you to read the following true stories of co-workers who, like you, are working to manage their health. By being part of the exciting DelaWELL program, you have the chance to submit your own "Get WELL" story for possible posting under the Motivation Station.

When reading through the various stories, think about the positive impact DelaWELL could have on your overall health and well-being.

General Comments

• "This is a great program. I currently participate with my spouse. We have had great success. We hope it continues and more people get involved."
   
• "We had an exercise program for our staff in the past. This motivates me to start it up again. When your staff is healthy and feeling good, you will have better teachers."
   
• "Great program! Materials easy to comprehend."
   
• "This has been a great experience and my health coach has been great!"
   
• "Excellent program! Resources at your fingertips."
   
• "All information was very useful and has allowed me to be aware of the correct foods to eat and to exercise more."
   
• "Health coach helped me stay on track knowing I would be getting the call and wanting to share my goals and progress."
   
• "This program has helped me to become committed to taking charge of my health…"
   
• "I am very satisfied with this program. I recommend that my co-workers try this program. The health coaches that called me every month were very helpful with my weight problems and eating the right foods."
   
• "I sincerely appreciate being able to participate in this health program. I wish to continue for a few more years!"
   
• "This is an outstanding program. Both health coaches were extremely supportive and just as eager as I was to see me succeed. I recommend this program strongly!"
   
• "Keep up the good work! Great tool for employees."
   
• "I wanted to say that I have participated in as many DelaWELL activities as possible and have benefited from each one. I am happy to say that my "numbers" have gone down since my year one assessment. This past spring, I joined Weight Watchers and lost weight, I attended the lunchtime presentations and was reminded of good information that I had forgotten as well as learned new tips. I also participated in the 5K in Wilmington. Our offices held "Biggest Loser" contests and many have benefited and enjoyed the friendly competition on the road to better health. The many options, resources and support programs available through DelaWELL provide us with the tools needed to become healthier, and the monetary incentives are "icing on the cake"! Thank you!"
   

DelaWELL University 2009 – 2010

• (September 2009 – October 2009) Topic #1: Doing Your Part To Stay Heart Smart
   
• "Keep offering great topics that help State of Delaware employees get and remain healthy."
   
• "As always the presenter did an excellent job. The information offered is informative, useful and educational. I look forward to the next session and those after. This is a great benefit the state offers to its employees."
   
• "Very interesting and informative. Great idea of the blood pressure screening; hope to see more screenings."
   
• "Extremely impressed with the facilitator’s method to give detail to the subject and the analogies for better understanding. Thank you."
   
• "I really enjoyed the heart smart class last week. It was very informative. I look forward to attending the next class in the series."
   
• "The presentation was awesome!!!"
   
• "I think the seminars are very informative and well presented. The most recent one I attended was dealing with heart wellness. I came out of high blood pressure denial after listening to the presentation and viewing the exhibits. I made an appointment to see my primary care physician, who has been patient with me for some time."
   

2008 Biometric Health Screenings

• "Staff is courteous, knowledgeable and efficient. What a pleasure to have the state be PROACTIVE with HEALTH. Thank you!"
   
• "A great atmosphere. Everyone was so helpful. They showed great concern in my health."
   
• "Everyone was very pleasant and took the time to explain my #'s to me and offer literature I can read to help me. Thank you."
   
• "Nutritional consult was comprehensive & very helpful. Thanks."
   
• "Staff was excellent! Gave good directions, courteous, informative, patient. I learned a lot about my health today. Thank you for letting me participate."
   
• "I liked the facts on the information on cholesterol, with in the amount of time, I wish the doctor can give this information."
   
• "Glad the program was made available (at work)!"
   
• "Wonderful service (for state employees)! Thank you!"
   
• "Delawell is a great program. Thanks (1st time use for me & new in state)."
   
• "I think this is a great program for the State of Delaware employees to enroll in. Thanks."
   
• "I think this is a fantastic program. The State of DE movement toward preventive care is excellent and a great benefit to the state and its employees."
   
• "This was a wonderful idea! I'm very glad the district is involved with this! Makes me feel cared for. Thank you =)"
   
• "This is an excellent, non-threatening way for people to learn about health risks, and catch any troublesome areas - thank you for caring!"
   
• "Much easier and faster than going to your primary care physician (I wish my Dr. was this easy!). Especially beneficial for those that do not go to their physician (do not have time to go) and are not aware of their health status."
   
• "Every time I do a screening, I learn more - understand another piece of the puzzle (esp. BMI, chol) I can ask questions. I'm starting to feel like I have some opportunities to make positive changes that will affect my future. Thank you."
   
• "Excellent - they may have saved my life - I am not kidding."
   
• "I found this assessment to be very helpful. I got some great ideas for working on my issues."
   
• "I'm glad I signed up, because I learned more about my body & what I need to do to stay healthy."
   
• "One number was a little high - will follow up with doctor."
   
• "Will seek PCP for in depth follow-up. Pleased with fact that the screening points me in the right direction and to target "problem" areas. Thanks."
   
• "Thank you for this screening, much appreciated. Learned something regarding my blood pressure - person explained very clearly - very knowledgeable."
   

Weight Watchers® Offerings

• "I just wanted to thank you for your efforts in getting the Weight Watchers at Work program started for state employees that has helped me and others. Our group that meets on Thursday at noon has lost over 500 lbs since we started and we are looking good! The meetings are convenient and the support we show each other has boosted our remarkable weight loss and the awareness of our health. It also helps knowing that this program is free if we participate and learning along the way of healthy choices not only for ourselves but for our families too. Thank you again for your support." - Barb Bennett
   
• "I joined Weight Watchers through the encouragement of our DelaWELL program email. I have Diabetes and some other health issues that made it difficult to lose weight, thus, I was overweight and unhealthy. DelaWELL informed State employees that they would be reimbursed through their insurance company if they joined Weight Watchers for a specific amount of sessions. I decided to try it and my sign up date was March 15, 2008. I have lost a total of 24.8 pounds and it has been educational and enjoyable. I submitted for my reimbursement and received it in a short time after submitting it. Joining Weight Watchers has helped me to get healthier and has given me a new perspective on eating better. I have also participated in several DelaWELL workshops and spoke with one of their Health Coaches; this has been very helpful in showing me ways to get healthy. I love the workshops. I love being employed with the State of DE. I do not know any other State that would care so much for its employees than this State and I am very thankful for the opportunity to take advantage of such a great program. I encourage my staff to attend the DelaWELL meetings too. Thank you so much for all that you have done for me." - Candace Jones, Administrator, Laurel State Service Center; Story submitted September 22, 2008
   
• Liz Snyder’s Story – "...Since losing almost 100 pounds my life has dramatically changed..." (Read her entire story here)
                                  See Liz’s transformation: Before Picture & After Picture

Participant Health Testimonies

• "Thanks. I lost 31 pounds and dropped cholesterol from 253 to 168!"
   
• "I had an excellent health coach… She was very friendly and informative. Thanks to her I have already lost fifteen pounds."
   
• "I've lost close to 10 lbs since I started my weight management program. I cook a lot more, try to stick with lean meats, fruits/vegetables, and healthy snacks. I have more energy and feel good about what I've accomplished. I'm looking forward to exercising more in 2008."
   
• "My motivation actually started in February 2007, whereas my daughter presented my husband and me with a cruise to Cozumel for our anniversary in May. At that time I weighed in at a whopping 198 pounds (at least that was the last weight I recorded from the scale). I knew that I was probably going to gain even more weight on the cruise – due to the plethora of food they bestow upon their guests. The cruise afforded me a "reason" to lose weight. (I use the word "reason" lightly at this time in my journey). As time went on, I realized that I only took it serious for the "event" not for my own health and well being. I must admit that I did make progress before I boarded the vessel on May 9, 2007. I was down 15 pounds and set off for 4 glorious days and 3 nights to food heaven! Yep, you guessed it – I put on 8–10 pounds of the 15 I had lost in a matter of just a few days. Talk about discouraging..
  
  However, prior to me leaving I had received an office email; asking for my participation in the May 30, 2007 Governor’s Cup 5K Walk/Run event and they wanted to create a team for our office. I thought to myself, wow – I am going to do this and set myself a goal that I would finish this run in under 40 minutes. I know, running 3.2 miles in 40 minutes is easy and it is a lot of time if you are an avid 5K runner; but for me. it was my first 5K Run – EVER! This opportunity presented me a personal challenge, not to come in first with the fastest time, but to finish under 40 minutes. I am happy to say that I finished the run at 38:59 (and thought I was going to die)!
  
  As you can imagine, I was ecstatic! I set a goal and pushed through to make it. Therefore, it gave me more confidence to continue to run and that is what I did, well, sort of – I ran off and on, but I ran maybe once a week or every other week. One of the obstacles (excuses) I used was the lack of time – I had no time because of work and no time for me because everyone else was sucking up my time. Be careful what you wish for – In October of 2007 my husband was deployed to IRAQ and was to be gone for a period of 8 months – TIME is exactly what I got. In my spouse’s absence my co-workers wanted to help keep me busy and my mind occupied so we all made a pact and challenged each other to exercise and lose weight. We each had a goal to reach and mine was to weigh 145 pounds by May 2008 for my husband’s return from IRAQ.
  
  Where to start – healthy eating and portions, portions, portions. Did I say portions? If I had one word of advice – count the calories you consume BEFORE you start to lose weight. You will be amazed to find out, how many calories you were "really" eating. I limited my calorie intake to 1200 to lose weight, but I took nothing off limits. I wanted to make sure that I wasn’t dieting, but eating less of the things I loved. Because I know me, I would go back to the McDonalds, Wendy’s and Taco Bell – so I had to make better choices on the quantity of the foods I love to eat. The process was slow but successful. In March and April I incorporated exercise and yes – because I never forgot my success in the 5K challenge I began to run. Actually, I started by walking, and then running. I would run a block and walk the rest, I would run 2 blocks and walk the rest, I increased my running by increments and today, I am proud to say – I run 1.5 to 2.0 miles every other day at a minimum.
  
  My success: I have lost a total of 55 pounds and have a new me. Upon the return of my husband, he was amazed at my transformation and he is proud that I have committed to this healthier lifestyle for the rest of our lives. We both run together. I found me in the process and realized, that if I don’t MAKE time for me, no one will.
  
  You have to start somewhere and why not today, because "TIME" is what "YOU" control. So, take time now to be healthy and live longer." – Susan Graham, Delaware Economic Development Office, Story submitted August 18, 2008

DelaWELL Year One: Health Seminars

• "Good information in short period of time!" (participant feedback from The Active Workday health seminar at DHSS, Blue Hen Corporate Center)
   
• "Covered a lot. Very positive. Great and is motivating." (participant feedback from The Active Workday health seminar at DHSS, Herman Holloway Campus)
   
• "This was a nice boost to encourage a healthy lifestyle." (participant feedback from The Active Workday health seminar at DelDOT, Administration building)
   
• "This will get me motivated! Thank you!" (participant feedback from The Active Workday health seminar at DelDOT, Administration building)
   
• "This is my second course to attend. Excellent program for such a short time." (participant feedback from the Eating for Performance and Health seminar at DHSS, Herman Holloway Campus)
   
• "This was a great seminar. It also was helpful to have it at the workplace as sometimes it is not easy to attend with a work life and personal life. It is great that the State is taking an interest in helping their employees to become more knowledgeable about their health." (participant feedback from the Eating for Performance and Health seminar at the New Castle County Court House)
   
• "Thank you for making me healthier and caring." (participant feedback from the Eating for Performance and Health seminar at the New Castle County Court House)
   
• "Thank you. I will try to work hard to eat right - my family also!" (participant feedback from the Eating for Performance and Health seminar at DelDOT, Dover Administration Building)
   
• "Excellent presentation - Covered a lot of material in the HOUR. Well-organized presentation & questions from audience were answered. Very pleased!" (participant feedback from the Managing Your Weight for Health and Vitality seminar at DHSS/Blue Hen Corporate Center)
   
• "This was very helpful and I know what I need to start to do." (participant feedback from the Managing Your Weight for Health and Vitality seminar at the New Castle County Court House)
   
• "Really informative. Enjoyed." (participant feedback from the Managing Your Weight for Health and Vitality seminar at DHSS/Herman Holloway Campus)
   
• "I am glad these programs are available- hopefully it will hold me more accountable to myself about eating better and exercising so I can be a more healthy, happy individual. Thank you!" (participant feedback from the Managing Your Weight for Health and Vitality seminar at OMB, Haslet Armory)
   
• "Attending these seminars reminds me to stay on track. I am encouraged to stay focused on improving my lifestyle. (participant feedback from the Managing Your Weight for Health and Vitality seminar at DelDOT Administration Building)
   
• "I love these classes! They offer a lot of good info!!" (participant feedback from the Managing Your Weight for Health and Vitality seminar at DelDOT Administration Building)
   

DelaWELL Year Two: Health Seminars "DelaWELL University"

(August 2008 – September 2008) Topic #1: The Active Workday

• "Thank you for taking the time for helping me to better my health. 2 months smoke free. Now to concentrate on weight, exercise for more energy." (Participant feedback from The Active Workday seminar at the Herman Holloway Campus)
   
• "I am really excited about this program and hope to attend all seminars. This is wonderful." (Participant feedback from The Active Workday seminar at Caesar Rodney High School)
   
• "It’s good to know people are here if/when we need them!" (Participant feedback from The Active Workday seminar at the Department of Transportation Administration Building)
   
• "It is great that the State of Delaware offers such a great program." (Participant feedback from The Active Workday seminar at the Georgetown State Service Center)
   
• "Thank you for helping me understand the benefits of physical activity." (Participant feedback from The Active Workday seminar at the DNREC Auditorium)
   
• "I lost 40 pounds as a result of the Delawell program." (Participant feedback from The Active Workday seminar at the Delaware Youth and Family Center)
   

(October 2008 – November 2008) Topic #2: Managing Your Weight

• "This seminar was very informative and motivating." (Participant feedback from the Managing Your Weight seminar at Delaware Public Archives)
   
• "I really enjoy these seminars as they help me learn different ways to get healthy and feel better. Thank you." (Participant feedback from the Managing Your Weight seminar at the Richardson and Robbins Building)
   
• "Thank you for making us responsible for our health by empowering us!" (Participant feedback from the Managing Your Weight seminar at the Richardson and Robbins Building)
   
• "Very educational. The speaker was excellent- very knowledgeable and humorous. Made learning fun and really gave me a total incentive to get healthy." (Participant feedback from the Managing Your Weight seminar at the Richardson and Robbins Building)
   
• "Great presentation and interaction with audience!" (Participant feedback from the Managing Your Weight seminar at the DOL Fox Valley Annex Building)
   
• "I thought this hour-long seminar was very helpful in increasing my awareness of weight loss options. Very well done!!" (Participant feedback from the Managing Your Weight seminar at the Carvel State Office Building)
   
• "Thank you so much for this very important program!" (Participant feedback from the Managing Your Weight seminar at the Blue Hen Corporate Center)
   

(December 2008 – January 2009) Topic #3: Stress and Your Workday

• "I enjoy the seminars." (Participant feedback from the Stress and Your Workday seminar at Shipley State Service Center)
   
• "I love these seminars! Aaron does a wonderful job! The resources, PowerPoint and handouts are very well done!" (Participant feedback from the Stress and Your Workday seminar at Caesar Rodney High School)
   
• "The presenter was excellent and filled a lot of information into the hour session." (Participant feedback from the Stress and Your Workday seminar at Caesar Rodney High School)
   
• "Relaxed environment, just what I needed after a stressful day!" (Participant feedback from the Stress and Your Workday seminar at Caesar Rodney High School)
   
• "Great examples – real life and applicable." (Participant feedback from the Stress and Your Workday seminar at Department of Agriculture)
   
• "Excellent presentation! Great job!" (Participant feedback from the Stress and Your Workday seminar at the Blue Hen Corporate Center)
   
• "Liked this seminar the best so far!" (Participant feedback from the Stress and Your Workday seminar at the Blue Hen Corporate Center)
   
• "Class was very informative. I took plenty of mental notes that I plan to use. The speaker was excellent." (Participant feedback the Stress and Your Workday seminar at the Governor Bacon Health Center)
   
• "Excellent Presentation and Humor!!" (Participant feedback from the Stress and Your Workday seminar at the Cannon Building)
   
• "The presenter is great at keeping the audience involved in the presentation. The giveaways are always really nice." (Participant feedback from the Stress and Your Workday seminar at the Cannon Building)
   
• "This seminar is very much needed at this time in the economy. Thank you." (Participant feedback from the Stress and Your Workday seminar at the Georgetown State Service Center)
   
• "The handouts were extremely helpful. I enjoyed the deep breathing exercises." (Participant feedback from the Stress and Your Workday seminar at the Herman Holloway Campus)
   

(February 2009 – March 2009) Topic #4: Eating for Performance and Health

• "Very interesting." (Participant feedback from the Eating for Performance and Health seminar at the Department of Agriculture Conference Center)
   
• "I thought I knew a lot about nutrition, but I learned a lot of things I didn’t know. Good seminar." (Participant feedback from the Eating for Performance and Health seminar at the Department of Agriculture Conference Center)
   
• "Good program." (Participant feedback from the Eating for Performance and Health seminar at the Department of Agriculture Conference Center)
   
• "The presenter was very knowledgeable and made the seminar very interesting." (Participant feedback from the Eating for Performance and Health seminar at the Carvel State Office Building)
   
• "I like the physical examples/visual aids. Helps to understand." (Participant feedback from the Eating for Performance and Health seminar at the Department of Transportation Administration Building)
   
• "Wish I had attended the previous seminars. Looking forward to upcoming topics." (Participant feedback from the Eating for Performance and Health seminar at the Cannon Building)
   
• "Very glad I attended. Great work benefit." (Participant feedback from the Eating for Performance and Health seminar at the DOL Fox Valley Annex Building)
   
• "Excellent workshop." (Participant feedback from the Eating for Performance and Health seminar at the Blue Hen Corporate Center)
   

Last Updated: Wednesday September 30 2009