Mary's Story

I am seventy-five years old, and following the death of my husband, I gained forty pounds in two years reaching 170 pounds. I am 5ft. 2in. I had various illnesses, including chronic bronchitis and tracheae malaysia. Almost every six weeks I was given antibiotics to kill the infections. Sometimes the infections restricted activity for several weeks. I had an inhaler to help me breathe.  I experienced severe coughing, and acid reflux was also a major problem, as were esophageal spasms.  My cholesterol/ triglycerides and blood sugar were significantly elevated. Hypothyroid, hypertension and edema was also a concern.  I had osteoarthritis in my hands and knees. I was being cared for by a cardiologist, a gastroenterologist, a pulmonologist, and an orthopedist, as well as a primary care physician. I had great apprehension that diabetes was looming. Many of my eleven medications caused sensitivity to sun exposure.

In November 2007, I began attending a senior center exercise class. The fitness trainer, who was also a professional chef and nutrition counselor, conducted the one hour class three times a week designed to improve cardiovascular functioning, balance, strength, flexibility, and mental alertness. I tried to participate as well as I could, but I needed a more individualized fitness plan. In 2009, the class members were offered the opportunity to have individual help with developing a walking plan. I accepted.

The trainer did a scientific nutritional analysis of my dietary habits, and developed an eating plan based upon Dr. Fuhrman’s book Eat To Live. He came to my home to assess my level of performance on the treadmill. To my chagrin, in less than five minutes at 2.5 mph I was gasping for breath. Because I could not tolerate much exposure to sunlight he told me about a close-by two mile round trip walking route. Eventually, I was able to complete the route without stopping.

My weight began to drop slowly, but steadily, and I began to have less difficulty breathing on the longer hikes. We extended the hikes to two to three and a half hours. I began carrying a backpack which weighed about ten pounds. Now it weighs up to fifteen pounds.  In time I could hike rigorous trails in all of the local state parks. My weight dropped about four pounds a month and sometimes more.  My comprehensive fitness program has given me a strong immune system and improved my health in all areas. The weight loss took about a year and a half. My current weight ranges from 110 to 118 pounds.  It has been almost three years since I have taken an antibiotic, and eight of the eleven prescription medications I took have been discontinued. Now only my primary care physician sees me for periodic checkups. The last time I saw him I was told my kidney function was so healthy I could donate a kidney. He said he didn’t know anyone my age could be strong and healthy enough to do that.

I’ve never felt better and had so much energy in my entire adult life. My fear and apprehension about developing serious diseases is past. I look forward to many years of vibrant health. I thank my trainer and Dr. Fuhrman.