Lorraine knew that she was standing in the way of her ability to lead a healthy life and lose weight. She reflects on her reasons for finally taking charge...
Lorraine Bailey works for the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in East Harlem as a Public Health Assistant. Her family history of diabetes motivated her to take steps to become healthier. When she learned about project HEAL (Healthy Eating, Active Lifestyles) from co-workers, she decided it was time to get on track to a more healthy way of life.
Q: Would you have been able to accomplish what you did without the support of HEAL?
I don't think I would have been able to accomplish what I have without HEAL. On my own, I would have kept saying "I'm gonna do it," while never actually doing anything. This program kept me on track and encouraged me to keep going. The program was seven to eight weeks and when we finished, we got a certificate. But the program didn't end there. Everyone who participated in the workshops has continued to maintain their new lifestyle. It helps that the instructors come to visit us once a month to check on us to make sure we are sticking to our plans.
Q: What is your advice to people who want to get healthy?
A: With so many diseases and chronic illnesses out there, people really need to learn how to eat healthy. If you want to live a long life you need to keep it in your mind that many of these diseases can be prevented, or if you have a disease there are things you can do to lessen the effect it has on your health. Learning how to read nutrition labels and the additives in the products you buy will help you make better choices.
About Project HEAL
Project HEAL (Healthy Eating, Active Lifestyles) is a 10 week workshop program that teaches participants about ways to get healthy by eating right and exercising. The program was developed to help Harlem residents lose weight in a comfortable environment where group leaders also try to lose weight. Project HEAL is sponsored by Harlem-based community organizations such as Mount Sinai School of Medicine, North General Hospital and the East Harlem Diabetes Center of Excellence.
